Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 30 ℃ | Low: 21 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? St. Mary’s Basilica was the first church in Karnataka to be raised to the status of a minor basilica.
💦 BWSSB loss-making
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has hinted at a potential hike in water tariffs in Bengaluru due to the financial difficulties faced by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
What’s it about? Shivakumar, also the Minister in charge of Bengaluru development, noted that BWSSB has been running at a loss, struggling to fund new projects, and even paying for power bills and employee salaries. He mentioned that there has been no increase in water tariffs for the past decade, despite rising operational costs.
- Shivakumar emphasised that while the hike is under consideration, it might not apply uniformly to all residents.
- The World Bank has criticised the politicisation of the tariff hike issue, arguing that without the increase, BWSSB cannot achieve financial stability or attract bank financing.
Critics vocal: Critics, including BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya, have accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of imposing excessive financial burdens on its citizens, citing recent hikes in petrol, diesel, electricity, and bus fares, alongside the proposed water tariff increase.
🍷 Crackdown on drunk driving
In response to recent road accidents, road rage, and sexual assault incidents, Bengaluru’s traffic police will intensify their crackdown on drunk driving every week from Thursday to Sunday.
What’s it about? MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), has ordered strict action against offenders, with all cases to be registered at junctions equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure transparency. Women officers will be present during the registration of cases, particularly to address the involvement of women in these incidents.
- The crackdown comes after a controversial incident where an alleged molestation victim was booked for negligent driving after crashing into two autorickshaws before the assault.
- To address growing complaints of sexual assaults on women during night hours, the police have decided to assign two women head constables or constables to night duty at all traffic police stations.
Guidelines issued: In addition to cracking down on drunk driving, Anucheth has issued guidelines to enhance safety and efficiency during night duty. These include the maintenance of two equipped motorcycles for quick response, prioritising incidents involving women, senior citizens, and children, and ensuring the smooth passage of emergency vehicles and dignitaries.
🚕 40% cab fare hike
Cab fares from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) have surged by 22-40% following a pick-up fee increase by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) for app-based services like Uber and Ola.
What’s it about? Uber’s pick-up fee at Terminal 1 rose from ₹187.62 to ₹260.78, and Ola’s charge increased from ₹172 to ₹215. Terminal 2 saw even steeper hikes, with fees increasing by up to 40%.
- These changes are part of BIAL’s renewed concessionaire agreement.
- BIAL has defended the hikes, stating that all authorised cab services at KIA, including Uber, Ola, and others, were selected through a competitive bidding process, with concession charges based on operators’ business plans.
Users notified: Uber, which manages over 70% of airport trips in Bengaluru alongside Ola and BluSmart, has begun notifying riders of the increased charges, clarifying that these fees go directly to the airport and are disclosed upfront during booking.
🌳 Dry branch threat
Dry branches and old trees are posing a significant threat to the city with several recent incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.
What’s it about? Last week, six people were hospitalised in Maruti Sevanagar after tree-related accidents, and an auto driver in Vijayanagar lost his life when a tree fell on him. Despite these incidents, efforts to remove hazardous trees have not begun.
- Concerns are particularly high around Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar, where a large, dry tree stands dangerously in the parking lot.
- The tree, eaten away by termites, could collapse at any moment, endangering the thousands of people who visit the hospital daily.
Dangerous locales: Similar risks also exist near RV Road and Jayanagar where old trees are also at risk of falling during rains.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Immerse yourself in a sensory journey as Goom Gum takes the stage at Sunburn Union.
- Watch Gulbarga Mystics clash with Mysore Warriors in the Maharaja Trophy at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Discover connections at a gaming strangers meet.
- Join a tree walk through Cubbon Park celebrating the monsoon wonders of Bengaluru’s diverse tree species.
- Channel your Y2K vibe at a throwback party.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I know of someone who regrets buying an EV: 33.3%
- I do not know of someone who regrets buying an EV: 66.7% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which are the most aesthetic metro stations that you have visited?
Simon: “Not in India – some of the Stockholm metro stations have their own unique themes.”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!