Save Lalbagh: Explore Alternatives for Metro

Please read the petition and sign it. Thanks.

Here is the link.

Protest Against Proposed Metro Corridor on Nanda Road, Jayanagar - Apr 19th, 2009

Please be there.

http://hasiruusiru.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76:upcoming-protest-against-proposed-metro-corridor-in-on-nanda-road-jayanagar&catid=52:protests&Itemid=76

Save Lalbagh, Save Nanda Road, Save Bangalore’s future

Nanda Road, Jayanagar (courtesy M.A.Ravinder)

Join the protest against the impending destruction of Nanda Road, Jayanagar

Sunday, Apr 19, 5pm, 32nd Cross, Nanda Road

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) plans to route the Metro through Nanda Road, which will cause the felling of 323 trees on this majestic avenue, and destruction of Lakshman Rao Park. Earlier this week 500 feet of Lalbagh's wall was demolished and trees were illegaly felled inside Lalbagh.

This protest is in continuation of the successful protests we held at Lalbagh's West Gate on April 15 and 17.

Come in large numbers. Bring expressive posters

Simply Stated

Bangalore’s Metro can go underground and save the city and its landmarks for posterity.

We urge the Government to scrap the totally unnecessary Rs. 3,000 crores investment in the High Speed Rail Link from M G Road to Bangalore airport, which will serve the needs of only 30,000 air travellers.

We demand the Government invest this Rs. 3000 crores to take the Metro Underground – and serve the needs of lakhs of people now and in future.

This is techno-economically possible, if there is political will and vision.

Want to know more? Read on.

Metro's Impact on Lalbagh

• 1135.18 square metres of Lalbagh Botanical Garden has been acquired for a Metro Station.

• This has been done by an Ordinance to the Karnataka Parks Act, without prior public consultation or democratic debate.

• Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has demolished 500 ft of the wall and cut 5 trees along the Lal Bagh West Gate on 13th-14th April

• This will surely lead to a greater portion of the park being taken away to create parking zones and malls at the Metro stations, as planned.

Metro's Impact on Nanda Road and Other Parks

• When BMRCL sought clearance, it claimed that trees on Nanda Road will only be pruned, not cut.

• Now in response to an RTI application BMRCL has confirmed that 323 trees will be cut on Nanda – RV road. That is ALMOST ALL TREES ON NANDA ROAD WILL BE CUT.

• 42 other trees will be pruned and cause a huge loss in Nanda road, tree canopy and park areas

• BMRCL also plans to acquire land in Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain and Cubbon Park and trees will come under the axe.

• The alignment through Lalbagh and Nanda Road has been extended to Kanakapura Road in total contravention of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, and is likely to be an economic disaster as the potential ridership here is not very significant.

This metro phase is illegal because…

• The BBMP Tree Officer has confirmed that the tree cutting in Lalbagh was not approved at all. If this can happen to trees in Lalbagh, you can imagine what this means to trees across the city.

• The High Court of Karnataka is hearing a PIL over alternatives in Metro alignment, and in total indifference to this process, work is in progress.

• On 16th March 2009, the High Court of Karnataka ruled in a PIL filed by Environment Support Group and ors. (WP 7107/2008) categorically instructing all urban infrastructure development agencies to "strictly follow" the provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act (KTCPA) and the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act. This order is binding on the BBMP, BMRCL and BDA.

• This KTCPA requires planning and implementation authorities to evolve projects in consultation with the Public. It demands a detailed process of enquiry into socio-economic and environmental impact of projects undertaken, by transparently devising public plans. None of these statutory provisions have been followed for Metro construction in Lalbagh and Nanda Road or its extension to Kanakapura Road.

• As per the electoral code of conduct, no fresh infrastructural developmental projects can be initiated during election time

• Major landmarks will be destroyed for a project that may not effectively serve public transport needs.

WHAT THE POLITICOS SAY:

• Jayanagar MLA Mr. B N Vijaykumar (BJP) is on record to state that this alignment was fixed without any consultation with Legislators or the public. He has stated that investing Rs. 2,000 crores more would save this city from certain ruin by the Metro.

• Dr. Hemachandra Sagar, another BJP MLA has joined protests against the Metro alignment through Lalbagh in November 2008.

• Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao (Congress I), MLA, has also joined protests against this alignment in November 2008 and called for a debate before taking up work. Yet the ordinance was passed by the present Government, escaping public and political debate, thus tearing at the very heart of democracy.

• Mr. Narendra Babu, MLA (Congress I) has joined protests and called for a democratic debate on the Metro alingnment.

Bangalore South Lok Sabha Candidates have woken up to our collective call.

Some have taken a stand on the issue.

• Capt. Gopinath and Mr. Santosh Min, both Independent candidates, have called for a stop of Metro construction through Lalbagh and said the Metro should go underground and save the city and its public ommons. Capt. Gopinath has expressed concern that taking up the Metro in this waywould “destroy the entire character” of Bangalore and asserted “There are some things that are not touched”.

• Mr. Krishna Byregowda, Congress I candidate, has stated that he wants the Metro but not “by destroying the cultural or historical heritage like Lalbagh”.

• Mr. Ananth Kumar (BJP candidate) and Prof. Radhakrishna (Janata Dal S candidate) have said nothing at all on this issue.

• This is not an issue only for Bangalore South Candidates, but should be an issue for all candidates. CALL YOUR CANDIDATE TODAY AND ASK HIM/HER TO TAKE A STAND.

Namma metro? YAARA METRO?

• The Metro Phase 1 will be ready only 5 years from now and costs tax payers 9000 crores.

• Yet, it will carry only 10 lakh passengers (12%) of Greater Bangalore’s population in 2012. The BMTC already carries 38 lakh passengers daily.

• If Metro has to be extended to the whole city there will be continuous construction for the next 100 years, impacting nearly 3 generations.

• Traffic congestion will be far worse, because only a small part of Bangalore is going to use the Metro, but the infrastructure will eat into existing road space.

What can YOU do?

• Join the protests and follow up actions.

• Spread the word to people in your neighbourhood, schools, colleges, clubs, associations etc

• Photocopy this leaflet and distribute to passers by

• Get creative! Use theatre, radio, film, art, music, dance creatively to express your opinion

• Get support from your local ward officer, Government bodies, Resident Welfare Associations and other citizens initiatives

• Get support from local candidates in your constituency

• Mobilise the youth from colleges and schools in your area

• Stay informed. Subscribe to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HasiruUsiru/ mailing list.

• Mail your phone numbers to hu.bangalore@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for immediate updates through sms

• For more information on the impacts of Metro and other infrastructure projects like road widening, visit Hasiru Usiru and ESG India

HUG A TREE, RECLAIM YOUR CITY

Our trees belong with you and me

For details, please contact hu.bangalore@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 98802 83974 or 98805 95032

All data presented here has been gathered through RTI applications, discussions with officials, newsreports, etc.

Issued in the public interest by Hasiru Usiru, a network of individuals and organisations working to protect public spaces, public commons and urban greens in and around Bangalore .

Lots of Music

The past few weeks have been pretty hectic in terms of buying music albums. Just thought I would give my quick thoughts on them.

Movie: Aamir
Composer: Amit Trivedi
Language: Hindi
For a first-timer, the album is really amazing! Shades of God in a few of the songs. The best tracks are Haara (sung by the composer himself) and Ek Lau (Shilpa Rao, Amitabh).

Movie: Ada
Composer: A R Rahman
Language: Hindi
Ten tracks! That was my first thought! A God album with this many tracks is an absolute windfall. And tracks that remind you of a Rahman of the early 2000s. Took me a long time to actually figure out my favourite. Eventually, I had to go with my usual “escape-route” – went with the one sung by Him - Meherbaan. Rashid Ali, the guitarist, does a great job in Ishq Ada, while Parul Mishra impresses even more in the female version of the same track. Nostalgic to listen to Jayachandran (or for that matter, Alka Yagnik) in Milo Wahan Wahan. Udit in Hai Dard is a treat as well. Well, I could just go on and on … great stuff!

Movie: Chakravyuham
Composer: Karthik Raaja
Language: Tamil
Karthik Raaja (KR) just hasn’t been as prolific as his younger brother (or father (duh!)), but this album has its high moments. Bela Shende is very good in the duet with KR in Idhayaththai Kaanom. Though I am not a fan of KR’s voice, I still enjoyed the other duet with Saindhavi (more on her in a few moments) in Yei Unnidam. The half song-half oration Neeraadiduvom rocks … and all the more with Karthik’s immense range. And of course, the lines of “vaazhaikkaai bajji, vengaaya bajji, thottukka chutney, konduvaa machi!”.

Movie: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Composer: A R Rahman
Language: Hindi
Two back-to-back God albums. Wow! Iruvar-Minsara Kanavu. Alaipayuthey-Kandukondaen Kandukondaen. And Ada-JTYJN comes along the same illustrious lines. Rashid Ali (again) totally flows in Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, Runa sings achingly in Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai. Blaaze and a huge group of Rahman current regulars rock with Pappu Can’t Dance!

Movie: Kaalai Pani
Composer: Sathish Ramalingam
Language: Tamil
A huge huge thanks to f@rt who introduced me to this album. Everything about this album is so low-key, because of which I am tempted to write reams and reams on this. Let’s start with Sulaba in Ennamma Thozhi. Best song of this year! The initial days of listening to this song resulted in tears. Every single time. Then comes Thottuvidum Dhoorathil, the male version sung by Vedanth, and the female version sung by Reshmi. Such amazing singing! The tune is the same, but yet it sounds and feels so different. Vedanth (who has sung all the male tracks in this album) again does a great job in Kandaene Naan. Just as if to prove that melody isn’t the only thing he excels at, the composer gives us Albania Pookkal which is peppy and simple at the same time. Actually, I would call this the best album of the year. It impresses so much. And the effect is compounded when it hits you from nowhere. Truly great!

Movie: Psycho
Composer: Raghu Dixit
Language: Kannada
The beauty of radio is that some songs just get you hooked on immediately, and the search and pain you go through to track the album, composer, etc. adds to the experience. Long before this album released, there were two tracks that had me really intrigued – Neene Nagu and Ninna Poojage Bande. They sounded different, and with a bit of extended search, I found out that they were the songs from the album Psycho (source of this information was from Raghu Dixit’s blog). So, after days of pestering the Planet M close to my office, when I finally got the album, my expectations (already sky-high) were met so easily and overthrown. It is that good! Let’s start with Raghu Dixit in the anthemic Preethiyaa Manashanthiyaa. Speaks about the greatness of Karnataka in such beautiful words and notes. Then Ee Tanuvu (the one I had christened Neene Nagu) … the best part is at the 3:18 mark. Everything stops, and a violin plays around with your emotions for a few seconds, and then it’s back to rock. Ninna Poojage Bande is a devotional song sung on dope, and is filled with so much angst, spirit … stunning! Saindhavi excels in the classical Mussanje Rangalli. Raghu Dixit exudes melancholy and nothing else in Yaeno Idhe. Haricharan (the Joshua Sridhar favourite) and Saindhavi are so damn good in Beladingalanthe Minu Minugutha. If Mungaaru Male caused a revolution in Kannada music, Psycho should definitely usher in another one. Kudos to Raghu Dixit.

Movie: Subramaniyapuram
Composer: James Vasanthan
Language: Tamil
Probably, the songs of this album impressed me a bit more as the composer was (or maybe still is) a presenter in Sun TV. Probably, I was a bit amazed by his multiple talents. But, truthfully, the album is good because it’s good. Simple. Belly Raj and Deepa Miriam do a great job in the best track Kangal Irandaal. Madura Kulunga appeals to my soft corner for folk music. A very decent effort.

Let me conclude by saying, please please listen to Kaalai Pani. Sorry … just not able to help it!

Right to Complain

So, first phase of elections happened here, and, according to all reports, the voter turnout was pretty bad in Bangalore Urban; around the 44% mark apparently. Possible reasons for this, according to the media:

• General apathy
• No clear front-runner

and so on.
And ya, there were a lot more reasons that have been listed across all channels.

Among the numerous election ads on the radios, the one that grabbed my attention was this: “Vote now. Else, shut up for the next 5 years!” Obviously, a very impressive attempt at guilt-tripping the voters.

But still, I felt somewhat hollow when I heard this. The hollowness persisted even after reading about the abysmal turnouts. I was confused … because, I should have been angry. But nope, I just couldn’t muster up any sort of rage against this apathy. So, I began to wonder why.

And just like all always, my thoughts went in all sorts of directions, and what is being written here is one such thread of rambling.

“Shut up for the next 5 years!” “Shut up …”! Hmm … the point here is simple. The next time you complain about the government, remember that YOU had a hand in picking it, and hence, if you abstained then, you have no ground to stand on now. Fair enough.

But, is the government really the only entity that is at fault?
(Oh, before that, that there is something “at fault” in our city, state, country, etc. is beyond doubt. But, for the sake of my lack of knowledge, I shall just stick to Bangalore and its problems for now.)

On a tangent, the Bangalore Police has this hoarding saying, “Are you a driver who follows the rules? Are you a Smiling Driver?” And whenever I see that, I want to scream, “Not at all!!! I follow every bloody rule! And the only thing that gives me is a stressful life! No smiles. No nothing!” The rage that I am engulfed in when I am on the road is slowly reaching levels that I am not sure I can get rid off.

And this is the rage that I was hoping would hit me earlier. But, the realisation that I have come to accept is this – it doesn’t matter one bit who our leaders are. As long as we, as citizens, do not perform the simplest of tasks, there is nothing that any supreme power can do to save us.

And, the scary part of the current scenario where people want to do things just to accelerate their progress in life/traffic/career/etc. is that no one seems to feel the guilt. A simple case in point: The other day, at the Sankaralinga Pandian Hotel signal, it’s red. Of course, vehicles from my side continue to ignore it as there is no vehicle “using” the rightful green. But then comes this Activa who has take a right-turn and rightfully, but no one stops. Finally, running out of patience, he just pushes his bike into the path of an incoming auto. And, what does the auto-driver do? Gets out and shouts at the Activa driver! After that incident, even “sheepish guilty” would be an acceptable option to me … but I didn’t see it then, and don’t see it in the future.

And so, that’s where I stand. My rage for people’s apathy to the government is negligible. My rage for people’s apathy to people is at a scary level. And I am fine with that … completely at peace with my rage.

After having spent years controlling the rage, I’m fed up, and have finally (and inevitably, I should add) reached the stage where I need to vent it out as and when it bubbles out.

God again ...

After this and this, it was yet another opportunity to watch/hear God live at Chennai last Sunday.

And what an evening it was!!

When the audio of Guru released, the one moment in the whole album that would melt me, and even now melts me, was the MOMENT when God reaches for the heavens (ironic eh?) with His trademark high-pitch of Jaage hain … And to witness that as the first act of the evening was immense!

One distinct feature of this concert was the way the artists played with us. There would be the rapid strumming of an electric guitar, or the resonating aalaap, and out of this fog would emerge the burst of genius … and recognition.

Karthik with Girlfriend venum, Nithyashree Mahadevan with Kannodu kaanbadhellam had done their duty of keeping us tantalized before taking us in the exuberant musical ride. But none played with us more than the great Hariharan.

He comes up to the crowd, and asks us to sing after him.
Sasa riri
Gaga mapa
Mama dhini
…
…
sasa riri gaga mapa mapa …
…
…
Ay hairath-e-aashiqui!

But the highlight of the evening was God’s Khwaja mere khwaja! With Jaaved Ali and Aslam accompanying Him, this was something that can never be described in words. The fervour, the zeal that seemed to envelop all of us … sigh! Words fail me. Tears and goosebumps. Out of this world.

Thank you God … once again!