Light at the end of the tunnel

This saying almost always has a positive connotation. I experienced one of the exceptions today.

I was getting back from work on Nanda Talkies Road. Ya ya, the same road for which we in Hasiru Usiru had a lot of protests to prevent if from being butchered by the behemoth Metro. So at the beginning of the road, I wondered for the millionth time on the tree cover. The dip in temperature as you enter the road is astounding. Light seldom permeates through the thick tree cover. It is literally like a tunnel. And as I kept going on the road, I could see faint snatches of the light. Closer. Closer. And then, out of nowhere was the source of the light ... absolute barrenness!

Half of one of the umpteen Lakshman Rao Parks had been decimated. Enclosed within the shining green (ah the goddamn irony) Namma Metro barricades. It was a painful reminder of our failed protests.

Fruitless or Toothless?

On the days of the Lalbagh and Metro protests, we would have a plea of hope from Boda. It was very simple, “Each one of us should get ten more people” and the increased numbers will help the cause. Every protest, all we provided (and received) was a slap in the face! We managed to get 300 people for ONE protest. That's it.

Why was that? Apathy? Cynicism? Disagreement?

Disagreement might have been the main reason. And that is fair enough. People didn't agree with our cause. With our arguments against the Metro. Against the tree-felling. Fair enough. What hurt was the percentage of “agreers” who actually turned up. Even if 1% of them had gotten out of their seats and showed up, things could have been different. Maybe.

Shut the @#$% up!

There is this overwhelming urge in me to scream at the next person who says he is saddened by Bangalore's loss of green cover. If that person couldn't turn up and be one of the faces/voices for our cause ...

Never mind. I do not want to continue the post in this manner. I will just end it with ANOTHER request for people to turn up for the next protest. Tentatively on the 24th of October.

See you all there.

Hopefully.

Bearded days ...

I know what you are thinking. You expect me to write a post talking about how it's been a long time since I visited this part of the woods, blah blah ... well, that is true. But nope, I am not going to talk about all that. Instead, just like a Michael Bay movie, let me jump right to the action.

So this morning I was walking from the Mambalam station in Chennai to my aunt-uncle's house. It was 5 in the morning. Barely a furlong (it was shorter than a furlong ... but I like to use the word since I have no clue how far/near it is) from the house, a policeman stops me ... and this conversation unfolds:
Policeman: Hey, where are you coming from?
Me: From Bangalore. Now I am walking from Mambalam station.
P: Come here, show me what's in your bag.
I open my bag and show him what's there.
P: What do you do?
M: I am a software engineer.
P: You don't look like one. You look like a terrorist ... like Osama Bin Laden.
I keep quiet.
P: Show me your ID card.
I show him.
P: See (pointing at a clean-shaven version of me) ... this is how you should be. What can't you be?
M: I am sporting a beard for style ...
P: But anybody who is a terrorist has a beard ... don't you know that?
M: Not true. I can show you photos of terrorists without a beard.
P: No way.

At which point, I decide that 5 in the morning isn't a good time to get into an argument. I just smile and walk home.

And after the “action” comes the rumination. I remembered Rajjo telling me about the time he visited Lincoln Memorial (or was it the White House?) with an unshaven look and everybody kept staring at him. So, we've reached that stage finally. We had probably reached that stage quite some time back; it just caught up with me now.

So what do I plan on doing? I needed 2 seconds to decide ... I've found a solid enough reason to keep the beard now. It's my own crusade of sniffing out the bigots of society.

On a slightly related note, later in the day, I was at the client office and needed to use the rest-room. I go to the end of the corridor and see doors – Ladies, Managers, Gents. And no I am not trying to channel Dilbert-isms here. I was genuinely shocked to see this. Do managers pee nectar? What sort of company even comes up with such practices? Again, there are probably a thousand companies in the world that practise such “discrimination”, it's just my first time.

I am really pissed.
(and not the managerial kind!)

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!