Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: Foggy and misty in the morning.
🧐 Did you know? The state government’s 99-km tunnel project for Bengaluru will become the world’s longest if and when it’s completed.
✏️ Bengaluru through quirky illustrations
Artist Paul Fernandes’ recent exhibition showcased the city’s history through illustrations.
What’s it about? “Bangalore Then and Now” showcased the city’s history through some of Paul Fernandes’ quirky illustrations. The exhibition was an offshoot of his book ‘The Great Bangalore Morph: From Kempegowda to Covid.’
- The illustrations were years in the making. They showed the city’s history chronologically and highlighted significant people and events. One illustration showed the evolution of a lamp post to an electric pole since Bengaluru received electricity first in Asia.
- The exhibition ends with the city’s struggles during the pandemic. The illustrations feature long queues and people with masks. Paul sees the city’s future as any other Indian city – chaotic growth.
Trusty companion: Most of the illustrations feature a dog named Jaggu, which is Paul’s. He loves taking long walks with him.
🛣️ Getting ready for white-topping
The BBMP will white-top over 60 km of road across the city.
What’s it about? The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will white-top 61.12 km of road across the city for ₹754.74 crore. The longest stretches will be in Sarvagna Nagara and Pulikeshi Nagar.
- Part of the detailed project plan involves the bidder assisting in preparing detailed designs and engineering reports. The consultant will study and recommend improvements for the roads and additional facilities.
- The tender has also called for a corridor-wise survey of the existing traffic situation and movement patterns. The white-topping plan has been extended to 16 constituencies within the city.
What are the concerns? Environmental activists are concerned about the plan’s ecological impact. They believe white-topping leads to reduced water recharge, flooding, and other environmental impacts.
😷 Improved air quality
Data from the state pollution board showed Bengaluru’s air quality this winter is better than last.
What’s it about? The Air Quality Index (AQI) monitored by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) showed that the city hasn’t been affected by ‘winter inversion’. It’s a phenomenon where warm air settles below cold air, trapping pollutants.
- The city’s air quality dropped by almost half heading into winter 2021 compared to the lockdown period. Particulate matter decreased by 20% near Hebbal, Mysuru Road, and Nimhans compared to November 2022.
- However, the monitoring stations near the City railway station and Saneguruvanahalli saw a spike in particulate matter.
What’s the reason? Many constituencies saw quick completion of road work since it was an election year. Another possible reason is the metro’s expansion to Whitefield and the resulting reduced vehicular density.
📱 App to monitor lakes
An app developed by the BBMP to monitor lakes will be operational within a month.
What’s it about? The app, developed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), will allow people to see the status of any lake, activities around it, and amenities available daily.
- The app will be linked to the Sahaaya app where citizens can raise maintenance complaints. While the app is live, it’s currently being tested and has some technical issues.
- Trials for the app are ongoing by zonal officers who are uploading photos and checking its features.
Shortage of volunteers: The app has a feature for Kere Mitras – volunteers appointed to help conserve lakes. However, citizen volunteers aren’t yet linked to it. The BBMP invited citizens to register between October 19 and 30 but could only get 600 people.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever been to an art show in the city?
- I have been to an art show in the city.
- I haven’t been to an art show in the city.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What smart city solution do you think Bengaluru needs?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- 27 veterinary clinics will be moved from Bengaluru urban to rural areas.
- Street vendors protested at the BBMP Head Office, demanding they not be evicted.
- Transport gaps in the city’s outskirts affect healthcare for older citizens.
- A pipeline shift delay has held up the metro’s work along the Airport line.
- The KRERA’s orders over the past year had several impacts on Bengaluru’s real estate sector.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I iron my clothes myself: 62.5% 🏆
- I don’t iron my clothes myself: 37.5%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!