Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Thundershowers. Again.
🧐 Did you know? On February 2, 1911, Belgian adventurer Baron Pierre De Caters and Jules Wyck, a pilot arrived in Bengaluru with their Aviator aircraft. It was the first flight in Bengaluru, and their show was well received at the military parade grounds (now, Chinnaswamy Stadium).
🍖 ZappFresh acquires Dr Meat
Direct-to-consumer online fresh fish and meat retailer ZappFresh acquired Bengaluru-based Dr Meat.
What’s it about? ZappFresh undertook its maiden acquisition by acquiring Bengaluru-based and Sukos Foods-owned Dr Meat. Although they didn’t disclose the financial details, sources say ZappFresh is shelling out $3 million for the buyout.
- It’s a milestone moment for ZappFresh as they expand their reach into the southern market. They’re expecting to rake in ₹70 crore from the Bengaluru market alone in the next 12 months.
- Deepanshu Manchanda, the founder of ZappFresh, said they were keeping an eye out for partnerships and acquisitions when they came across Dr Meat. Notably, Bengaluru is one of the largest D2C markets for meat.
Core principles align: Dr Meat, established in 2021, offers sustainably bred chicken on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to Manchanda, the company’s principles align with ZappFresh’s core values.
🌧️ Missing rainwater harvesting pits
An ActionAid survey found that rainwater harvesting structures were absent in many areas.
The survey: From June 9 to June 14, the NGO ActionAid India undertook a survey between Silk Institute station and Nagasandra station on Green Line and Magadi station and Kengeri station on Purple Line. They found that the Green and Purple line stretches of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) were without rainwater harvesting structures (RWH).
- The survey covered a total of 41 kilometres, including 1,189 pillars where RWH structures were absent.
- Across the Green Line and Purple Line, rainwater pits brimmed with soil and waste. They won’t be of much use after a few minutes of rain. The Pink line was also surveyed.
Suggestions: The survey suggested that BMRCL undertake the installation of RWH structures for the surveyed metro lines. It cited the RWH structures between MG Road and Byappanahalli Metro Station as an exemplary model to follow.
🐟 How can fishkills be avoided?
The city’s corporation and water board authorities need to work together to solve the fishkills problem.
What’s it about? The number of fishkill incidents in Bengaluru’s lakes has increased compared to 2022, with 11 reported within six months of 2023. In 2022, there were 16 incidents reported throughout the year. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) share the responsibility for the hazardous circumstances.
- The KSPCB must promptly issue warnings to the BBMP if any of the commonly monitored parameters, such as Total Coliform, breach the 10% mark.
- The BBMP should enhance its monitoring of lakes, which includes maintaining inlets and diversion channels before, during, and after the monsoon season.
Active citizens: The reporting of fishkill incidents in Bengaluru is largely due to vigilant citizens who raise awareness about the issue on social media platforms and with concerned BBMP officers.
🛣️ Reconsidering rapid road technology
The BBMP plans to push for rapid road technology after correcting previous errors.
Story so far: The Road Infrastructure Division of BBMP is reconsidering rapid technology for road construction but with a few modifications. It follows suggestions from experts at an institute in Nagpur, who evaluated a section of Old Madras Road in Indiranagar constructed using rapid technology and suggested improvements.
- Former CM Basavaraj Bommai had said he would consider the project after reviewing the quality and cost of this construction method.
- After adopting the new recommendations by the Nagpur-based institute, the BBMP plans to approach the government with a proposal to consider rapid technology.
History: Despite its shorter construction time than other methods, rapid technology road construction comes at a 30% higher cost. Initially hailed as a revolutionary project by BBMP with a promised lifespan of 40 years, the pilot project faced several issues.
- The road cracked within a month of the completion of work, and several deadlines were missed during the construction.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Tharle Box’s new Kannada stand-up comedy show is on Saturday.
- The Queer Habba is a discussion and celebration of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
- The greatest hits from the late 90s and early 2000s await at Sly Granny this weekend.
- Learn some bhangra at a workshop in JP Nagar on Sunday.
- Get your tickets early to the Sunday Sundowner at Koramangala Social.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I prefer poetry: 20.0%
- I prefer prose: 80.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!