Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 33 ℃ | Low: 23 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru has had four watchtowers located at its corners that survive to date situated at Mekhri Circle, Ulsoor, Lalbagh, and Kempambudhi Lake.
🌊 Solving flooding
The BBMP has said that a permanent solution to Bengaluru’s flooding issues will take approximately a year and a half, with interim measures being implemented.
New openings: BBMP is currently focusing on stormwater drain remodelling to address the issue, having identified 198 flood-prone points across Bengaluru. Other immediate efforts include constructing concrete retaining walls along the rajakaluves, with 124 such points already addressed.
- Plans are in place to tackle 27 severe and 47 moderate flooding locations, pending a World Bank loan.
- The 856-km rajakaluve network of the city is set for remodelling by December next year.
Interim steps: Additional measures include deploying pumps, setting up control rooms at sub-divisional levels, and installing sluice gates on lakes to prevent flooding during the monsoon. Underpasses will be marked and barricaded as needed to warn and protect motorists from high water levels.
🚇 Ad-wrapped trains
Bengaluru Metro will start wrapping trains with advertisements and offering semi-naming rights for existing stations to boost non-fare revenue.
What’s it about? The move aims to generate additional income without compromising the aesthetics of the trains, as windows will not be covered. BMRCL’s managing director, M Maheshwar Rao, has confirmed this plan to boost earnings through various sources.
- BMRCL plans to float tenders for these advertising opportunities soon.
- This strategy follows examples set by the Delhi Metro and Hyderabad Metro.
Maximising revenue: BMRCL will continue leveraging other revenue streams, such as leasing space for retail outlets, ATMs, and telecom infrastructure, to ensure financial sustainability amid ongoing and future metro expansions.
🚬 Tobacco vs. traffic
Bengaluru Police will be implementing traffic restrictions today for a walkathon and horse rally between Freedom Park and Town Hall, organised to mark World No Tobacco Day.
What’s it about? A traffic advisory has been issued for central Bengaluru for the event scheduled from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, necessitating several road closures to ensure smooth traffic flow.
- Affected routes include Sheshadri Road from Freedom Park to K.R. Circle, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Road from K.R. Circle to Balekundri Circle, Queens Road from Balekundri Circle to CTO Circle, Central Street from B.R.V. Circle to Anil Kumble Junction, and M.G. Road from Anil Kumble Junction to Queens Junction.
- Additional closures will impact Kasturba Road from Hudson Circle to Queens Junction, Mallya Road from Siddalingaiah Junction to RRMR Junction, Hudson Circle to NR Junction, and Town Hall Circle from NR Road to Town Hall Junction.
Other events: The event will also feature a poster design competition, reel-making, and a treasure hunt, all designed to engage the public and drive home the importance of a tobacco-free lifestyle.
💦 Water cut
Bengaluru residents will experience a temporary halt in the Cauvery water supply on June 4 and 5 due to essential maintenance work.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a temporary halt due to essential maintenance work related to the Cauvery fifth phase project.
- This interruption will affect water supply units in Cauvery Phases 1, 2, and 3, and Kaveri 4th Phase’s 1st and 2nd Phase.
- The shutdown will be from 6 am to 6 pm on both days.
Store in advance: Residents across several areas of Bengaluru have been advised to store adequate water to manage during this period. The maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and reliability of the city’s water supply infrastructure.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Laugh with Bassi in his upcoming special ‘Kisi Ko Batana Mat’.
- Listen to the folk-rock band Swarathama and their new album ‘Raushan’ live.
- Attend an evening of poems, stories, and music at the Kommune June Open Mic.
- Meet new people at the Let’s Socialise’s Single’s Mixer.
- Unravel secrets at this Murder Mystery Dinner by Partyvorous.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I own a gaming console: 33.3%
- I don’t own a gaming console: 66.7% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!