r2i forum

We talk so much about stuff that we don't like in Bangalore. Given a chance, I hope atleast some of us will be willing to put some effort to make a difference (especially folks who have already R2ied to B'lore and of course, Bangaloreans who already live there)..

I read an article in Deccan Herald today, which talks about bringing positive changes to Bangalore and also provides a telephone number which you can contact to participate if interested (23561443/23561257). Here is the article :

A number of citizens associations have joined the newly formed Platform of Citizens Associations (PCA) of the City that it has launched a Save Bangalore initiative.

The degradation in social and cultural values has earned Bangalore the dubious distinction of being a ?wheezing and sneezing city?. So alarmed at Bangalore?s journey from Garden City to Garbage City is the newly formed Platform of Citizens? Associations (PCA) of the City that it has launched a ?Save Bangalore? initiative.
A number of citizens? associations have joined the movement, with ?Save and nourish all that we cherish? as its motto, to discuss and find out solutions to the increasingly acute civic problems.
The PCA, whose convenor is Dr B R Manjunath, aims at providing a ?joint response and feedback? from all such association to these problems - traffic jams, water scarcity, high pollution levels, a spiralling crime graph, cultural degradation, escalating land prices and high cost living. The platform will try to get corporators, MLAs and city planners ?to listen and respond to people?s demands and queries?.
The PCA has demanded a pro-people, cost-effective and time-bound blueprint for the allround development of Bangalore, construction of ?need-based? flyovers and grade separators, more well-equipped government- and corporation-run hospitals, more schools and colleges, and measures to check encroachment on parks/playgrounds.
Those who want to join may contact 23561443/23561257.

So, guys and gals, it is a good opportunity to do something good to the place which helps us earn our bread and butter, isn't it? Like the saying goes "Little drops of water make a mighty ocean"..Definitely it will take time. But equally definite is the fact that each individual's contribution will lead to a better Bangalore. :)

Any takers? Also one request : I would like to keep this thread more focused on what can/should be done to improve the conditions in B'lore (also what one is prepared to do), rather than just crib about the problems.

TIA for listening. :emrose:

V_B,

Thanks for posting this info and the contact number for Dr. Manjunath. I intend to participate in such initiatives after I R2I and settle down.

One way we can contribute as a group or as an individual is by planting trees and or organizing planting drives.

This activity can be made fun and cool! I'll post a possible action plan for such an effort in another post.

I think it would great if we can get some rebates for energy efficient equipment in India. It would cut down the power supply need. I am still reading about this, would like to contribute on my R2I in 2008

DosaiLvr,
Good to see the enthu. Probably we can form our own R2I Bangalore group and try to do some good stuff collectively too. I will be R2Iing between Jan-June 2008..Planting trees collectively definitely sounds good..I read that they are uprooting trees and re-planting, whenever they need to cut trees to widen roads..That is a start..:)

Bobus,
I too was not sure what the cultural degradation meant. It was mentioned in the article..maybe it meant too much westernisation (which might be looked upon as degradation by some)..

>> maybe it meant too much westernisation (which might be looked upon as degradation by some)..

I hope that is not true :o

Associations, persons, and headline mongers who raise the issue of the "western", "southern" boogeyman are a big turn-off for me.

I hope they are talking about promoting the state language, arts, foods, culture, etc., which does not require a bogeyman's presence.

Action plan for "Planter's Association"

It would be nice if a bunch of families got together and adopted streets in residential areas and planted trees.

If I'm not mistaken Forest Depts. provide plants and tree guards free of cost. All it takes is some physical labor - one's own or outsourced (labor rate is roughly Rs. 150 for 8 hrs).

What the saplings really need, post the planting stage, is care and monitoring for a year or so... local residents' help can be enlisted to water the plants until or after the mansoon season.

One way to enlist the locals could be by forcing a bond between them and "their" tree. One could name or dedicate the sapling planted in front of a house in memory of their loved one - a departed parent/grandparent etc.

Private companies can be entreated to participate or promote planting drives. One could use the help of membership in organizations such as the Lions, Kiwanis club etc. to organize.

Such planting drives can be made cool and attractive by giving away tee shirts, w/ the sponsor's name and a slogan - "Plant trees! It's cool" on them.

The day could end on catered dinner and drinks for the organizers and Pizza/coke for the volunteers, who can be our own kids and their friends!?!

Summer holidays, just after the 1st mansoon rains, would be a good time for such an activity.

desikp;23980I think it would great if we can get some rebates for energy efficient equipment in India. It would cut down the power supply need. I am still reading about this, would like to contribute on my R2I in 2008

Good idea..But are there already energy efficient equipments available in India too? Or are you talking about manufacturing them?

DosaiLvr #7,
Thats a very good idea..But how do we collect the money required? Are you suggesting that we can get some companies to promote the event?

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On a separate note, I read that the concept of car pooling is slowly catching up, which is good..

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Some more points I felt need to be addressed:

1> Is there any way we can work to get the (local small) roads improved?

2> I think there is already a procedure for garbage collection from homes, and big garbage bins to dump the trash, isn't it? (I am not sure of all areas; I know of only Jaynagar 5th block..) If not, then we can do something to create awareness regarding cleanliness and also for garbage collection..

MeraNaseebR2I;24044

The other big initiative will be to synchronize and monitor public service utility workers. Ensure that one crew (telephone or water utility) does not tear down a road, right after another crew has freshly paved it. Delhi has somewhat conquored this under the guidance of Sridharan in the Metro project.

Lets get this done first before talking about the rest. I will be happy with winning minor battles, instead of talking about winning a war.

Very true. It is such a pain when a freshly tarred road is again dug up.. Any idea how they got it done in Delhi? Did the common people work towards it, or was it something that the govt realised and work towards the change?