Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 23 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? Vikasa Soudha, an annexe building next to Vidhana Soudha, was inaugurated in 2005.
💰 MPLADS utilisation report
Bengaluru MPs utilised ₹55.88 crore from MPLADS over five years, with a major focus on public infrastructure and drinking water.
Work of 3 MPs: The Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) released a report analysing the utilization of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds by three Bengaluru MPs. The report reveals that a total of ₹55.88 crore was recommended for various development activities over five years, with 42.67% allocated to public infrastructure and 29.15% to drinking water and sanitation.
- Tejasvi Surya, DV Sadananda Gowda, and PC Mohan are the MPs representing Bangalore South, Bangalore North, and Bangalore Central, respectively.
- The MPLADS allocation was affected by the COVID pandemic, with no funds allocated for FY 2020-21 and ₹2 crore allocated for each MP for FY 2021-22.
Attending LS sessions: Attendance records for the 17th Lok Sabha show PC Mohan with 82%, Tejasvi Surya with 78%, and DV Sadananda Gowda with 63%, although Gowda’s lower attendance is attributed to his role as a Union Cabinet minister.
🌹 Rising flower prices ahead of Ugadi
Bengaluru residents face doubled flower prices due to reduced yields caused by a heatwave and decreased rainfall.
Yields drop, prices rise: As Ugadi approaches, flower prices in Bengaluru have surged, with traders in Jayanagar and KR Market reporting a more than 50% drop in yields. The increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall have led to a significant reduction in flower production. Roses are currently selling for ₹300 per kg, chrysanthemums for ₹500 per kg, and Kanakambaram, a local favourite, for ₹1,000 per kg.
- The cost of flowers has risen sharply since early February, with some prices quadrupling.
- Bengaluru sources its flowers mainly from nearby districts and neighbouring states, but supply shortages are challenging traders’ ability to meet demand.
Demand unchanged: Despite the price hike, the demand for flowers remains unchanged due to their irreplaceable role in festival celebrations. The horticulture department expects the flower market to stabilize once the heat reduces.
🚶🏽 Alarming rise in pedestrian deaths
Bengaluru witnesses a 77% increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the city’s dire need for improved pedestrian infrastructure.
What’s it about? The traffic department’s data reveals a concerning rise in pedestrian deaths in Bengaluru, with fatalities jumping from 161 in 2021 to 286 in 2023. Pedestrian deaths now account for nearly 40% of all accident fatalities in the city.
- The lack of proper infrastructure, such as skywalks and pedestrian subways, forces many to risk crossing busy roads, leading to a high number of accidents.
- A survey by Sensing Local found 488 instances of missing pedestrian crossings across 185 junctions in the city.
Challenges remain: The BBMP is working to make roads more pedestrian-friendly, with plans to repair footpaths and install high-rise medians to encourage the use of pedestrian crossings. Despite these efforts, footpath encroachments remain a challenge, with vendors often returning shortly after being removed.
🏭 Treated wastewater supply to industries
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board plans to supply treated wastewater to industries, promoting sustainability and efficient water usage.
What’s it about? In a move to address the water crisis and promote sustainable water management, the BWSSB has announced plans to supply treated wastewater to industries, particularly in the Peenya industrial area. This initiative aims to reduce the dependence on Cauvery water and encourage the use of treated water for non-potable purposes.
- Bangalore generates approximately 1,480 MLD of wastewater, with 1,212 MLD currently being treated.
- The treated water has been certified by the Indian Institute of Science for various non-potable uses, including cleaning.
A commitment: Industrial leaders have committed to joining the “Green Star Challenge,” which promotes water-saving technologies and practices.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Have you bought a house?
- I have bought a house.
- I haven’t bought a house.
❓ Today’s Question
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Which sport did you play during PT/PE period in school?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Ather Energy has launched the Rizta scooter range, specifically designed for the family market.
- From air hostess to menstrual hygiene activist, Anitha Rao from Bengaluru is making a significant impact by transforming lives.
- A study reveals that patients in Bengaluru are calling for greater transparency in the hospital billing process.
- Pourakarmikas in Bengaluru are struggling with the summer heat and are demanding half-day work schedules.
- The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation has partnered with the IIM-Bangalore incubation centre to support startups in the electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery sectors.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!