Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 35 ℃ | Low: 21 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? The 19th-century Bangalore Palace was modelled after Windsor Castle in England.
🚉 Major railway terminal at Devanahalli
A new railway terminal with maintenance facilities is proposed at Devanahalli, Bengaluru, to alleviate congestion at key city stations.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru Railway Division is working on a project to construct a significant terminal at Devanahalli, estimated to cost around ₹2,500 crore. The terminal, part of the Viksit Bharat project, is planned to be built on 200 acres, with at least 10 platforms to operate trains. It aims to reduce congestion at KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwanthpur, and Bengaluru Cantonment railway stations. The proposed location is approximately 4-5 km from the existing Devanahalli Halt station.
- The project awaits approval from the Railway Board and the Union Cabinet due to its substantial cost.
- The terminal will be part of the 287-km circular railway project proposed for Bengaluru, aimed at connecting various outskirts of the city to reduce traffic congestion.
Connecting rail routes: The new terminal at Devanahalli is expected to be constructed independently of the circular railway project timeline. Plans are underway to connect the terminal with bypass rail routes from nearby stations, enhancing connectivity and easing the load on existing city railway stations.
💧 Selling residential STP water
The Karnataka government permits the commercial sale of 50% of treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) within apartment complexes and gated communities.
What’s it about? In a groundbreaking move, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) issued an order allowing residential communities in Bengaluru to sell half of the treated water produced by their STPs. This treated water must meet the standards set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and can be used for various purposes, excluding the food and medicine industries. This decision comes amid restrictions on the use of potable water for non-essential purposes and aims to promote the effective use of treated water.
- Over 3,500 STPs in Bengaluru have a combined capacity of 720 Million Litres per Day (MLD), with an estimated 300 MLD of treated water available for commercial use.
- The initiative is expected to address the water crisis in Bengaluru by providing a sustainable alternative for construction projects and other uses.
Collaboration: The Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF) is collaborating with the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) – Bengaluru to facilitate the sale of excess treated water. BWSSB is also exploring the possibility of using treated water to replenish nearby lakes.
🚱 Fines for violating potable water ban
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has imposed fines on 22 citizens for using potable water for non-drinking purposes, such as car washing.
What’s it about? Following the BWSSB’s ban on using potable water for activities like vehicle cleaning, gardening, and construction, the board has started enforcing fines. Within three days, 22 cases of violations were identified, with fines totalling ₹1.1 lakh. The majority of these violations occurred in the southeast division of Bengaluru.
- Bengaluru’s primary water sources are the Cauvery River and public borewells, with a total supply of 1,450 MLD from the Cauvery and an additional 400 MLD from borewells.
- The city is experiencing a significant groundwater shortage, especially in eastern regions like Varthur and Bellandur.
Report violations: The BWSSB has urged the public to report any violations of the water ban to its helpline 1916. With the city facing a shortage of over 50% from groundwater resources, the district administration has also capped prices charged by water tankers for the next four months to mitigate the impact of the water crisis on residents.
🚓 Bengaluru Police upgrade Hoysala teams
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda announces significant upgrades to the Hoysala patrol teams, including advanced training, weaponry, and reduced response time.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru City Police have enhanced their Hoysala patrol teams to handle emergencies more effectively. All 241 Hoysala teams now have patrol officers ranked from Head Constable to Assistant Police Sub Inspector, equipped with arms and trained to tackle various situations tactically. The response time has been reduced to 7 minutes, ensuring quicker action during incidents.
- Night beat constables are now armed with pump action rifles, an upgrade from the conventional 303 rifles.
- Hoysala vehicles have been upgraded with advanced wireless systems, first-aid boxes, body-worn cameras, and reflective jackets for improved performance.
Mandatory patrol duty: The Bengaluru Police are taking proactive measures to enhance city safety, with mandatory patrol duties for new officials and regular inspections of Hoysala vehicles. The upgrades aim to equip the police force to respond more responsibly and effectively to the city’s evolving crime scenario.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Is Bengaluru an ideal place to live for retired people?
- Bengaluru is an ideal place to live for retired people.
- Bengaluru isn’t an ideal place to live for retired people.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which technology from science fiction do you wish to see in your lifetime?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Experts are advocating for improved maternity facilities in Karnataka.
- Airports are experiencing an increase in passenger traffic, with varying results for Karnataka.
- Bengaluru’s Presidency University organised the National Conference on Gender and Inclusion.
- Doctors have successfully treated a 1.2-year-old infant diagnosed with Type 1 laryngeal cleft.
- Following reports of toxic chemicals, Bengaluru has seen an 80% decline in Gobi Manchurian business.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I use the DigiYatra app at airports: 57.1% 🏆
- I don’t use the DigiYatra app at airports: 42.9%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!