Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 33 ℃ | Low: 26 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with moderate rain.
🧐 Did you know? Shivanasamudram Dam, the city’s main water source, was Asia’s first hydroelectric station.
🛒 Underground air-conditioned market
Bengaluru has launched South India’s first underground air-conditioned market, the “Palike Bazaar,” located adjacent to the Vijayanagar metro station and bus stand.
What’s it about? The market, inspired by Delhi’s Palika Bazaar, was inaugurated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa. Built at a cost of ₹13 crore, the market spans 1,365 square metres, offering 79 shops, each about nine square metres in size.
- The market features central air-conditioning, with 31 shops having additional individual air-conditioning units.
- The project, executed by Parichita Constructions, was initially allocated ₹5 crore by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in 2017-18, with an additional ₹8 crore provided in 2021-22.
Delayed opening: The first phase of the market, consisting of 40 shops, was completed in 2022, but its opening was delayed as the BBMP undertook the second phase, which involved modifying the entrance. The market is equipped with eight entrances, 145 lights, two escalators, one lift, fire extinguishers, and a power transformer.
🎥 Actor Darshan’s good times
Murder-accused actor Darshan, currently held in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara jail, was recently photographed smoking a cigarette while casually mingling with other prisoners on the prison lawn.
What’s it about? The actor’s images, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage and led to the suspension of seven prison officials, including two jailers, by the Karnataka government. The suspended officials are jailers Sharan Basappa Amingad and Prabhu S Khandelwal, assistant jailers L S Kuppeswamy and Srikanth Talwar, head warder Venkappa, and warders Sampath Kumar and K Basappa.
- The viral photos reportedly came to light after a prison staff member shared them with his wife, who then posted them on social media.
- Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara expressed concern over the incident, calling it a serious lapse in prison management.
Murder case: Darshan was arrested on June 11, along with his close associate Pavitra Gowda, for their alleged roles in the murder of Renukaswamy. The victim was killed on June 9 in a shed used for parking seized vehicles in southwestern Bengaluru, and his body was later disposed of in a stormwater drain 10 kilometres away.
📜 Land acquisition amendment
The Karnataka government has amended the compensation guidelines under the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scheme to address issues in land acquisition within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits.
What’s it about? The amendment comes in response to resistance from landowners due to variations in the guideline values for agricultural land, non-agricultural land, and developed land, which had made land acquisition challenging and were a major obstacle in completing civic infrastructure projects.
- The TDR scheme allows landowners, whose land is acquired for public infrastructure projects, to receive Development Rights Certificates (DRCs). These certificates grant them additional built-up areas, which can be used or sold to other parties.
- The newly amended guidelines aim to standardise compensation, ensuring uniformity in the value assigned to lands under different categories.
Amendment timeline: The proposal for these amendments was initially made by the BBMP in February 2024 and was approved during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in July, before receiving final approval from the Cabinet in August.
📈 Real estate price appreciation
Bagaluru and Whitefield have experienced the highest price appreciation among the top micro-markets in India’s major cities.
What’s it about? Between 2019 and 2024, Bagaluru saw a staggering 90% increase in residential prices, while Whitefield recorded an 80% rise. Other notable performers included Hyderabad’s Kokapet (89%), Dwarka Expressway in Delhi-NCR (79%), and Bengaluru’s Sarjapur Road (58%).
- Infrastructure development, particularly in North Bengaluru and Whitefield, is said to have played a crucial role in this appreciation.
- The presence of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and IT giants has also boosted demand for residential and rental properties.
Dwarka Expressway prices on a ride: In Delhi-NCR, the Dwarka Expressway has seen a surge in housing sales due to rapid infrastructure development and proximity to Delhi airport. The strong demand in this area has also led to higher unit prices.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you watched any of Darshan’s films?
- I have watched Darshan’s films.
- I have not watched Darshan’s films.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
For how much would you sell the land your house is on if it is needed for a project in national/public interest?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Kristu Jayanti College has launched a certificate course in Basic Life Support for its 15,000 staff and students.
- A large rain tree fell on several vehicles in Vyalikaval but no casualties were reported.
- The woman who lost her vision in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast has regained 80% of her eyesight.
- Bengaluru FC will play against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup semifinals.
- A joint house committee has been formed to review the Greater Bengaluru Bill.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have played golf: 35.7%
- I haven’t played golf: 64.3% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite historical landmark in Bengaluru?
Santhosh: “Kempegowda 4 pillars, Lalbagh, Tippu palace and secret underground road next to Victoria hospital, Majestic, Alankar plaza 🤣”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!