Citizen Matters JP Nagar-BTM-Jayanagar
Local news like no one else does
cornered by waste and water
apartments under siege Page 10
6 Classes at Puttenahalli Lake 7 Meet Ekalavya awardee Kruthika Lakshman 8 Noddles Dosa?
9 Drive down to peace in 1 17 What are you giving? hour 9 IMPORTANT 13 “ Citizens should rise up Citizen Matters to support R P Sharma” 14 F AQ: segregating waste announcement
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www.citizenmatters.in Vol-4 Issue-18
06 - 19 Oct 2012
Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-18, 06 - 19 Oct 2012 KARENG/2009/28904. Published & printed by Meera K for Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. Printed at Lavanya Mudrana, 19, 15th cross, Vidyapeeta Circle, BSK I Stage, Bangalore 560060 Place of publication Oorvani Media, #98/1, MMR Plaza 1st Floor, Sarjapur Main Road, Jakkasandra, Koramangala 1st Block, Bangalore 560034. Editor Subramaniam Vincent.
Chronic Arthritis can lead to eye problems In general, any systemic disorder can affect the eye and it can be the first presenting feature in a patient. Different forms of arthritis that can cause eye problems are: 1. Childhood arthritis 2. Adult Rheumatoid Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Arthritis,
Clinical symptoms 1. Pain, redness, photophobia (i.e., not able to tolerate bright light) with blurred vision at times which can be due to UVEITIS (swelling of the internal structures of eye)
times. The nature of these eye problems is such that recurrences are common.
3. Wegener’s Granulomatosis, Dermato Myositis, Polychondritis, Gout 4. Other types like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Ocular manifestations of Arthritis in children include: 1. Anterior Uveitis - this is the most common type, recurrences are the rule. 2. Cataract
Scleral Necrosis uveitis 2. Redness, dryness, foreign body sensation, burning and grittiness all these worsen on exposure to dry or windy environment DRY EYE
3. Glaucoma 4. Band Keratopathy 5. Phthisis Bulbi In case of adults, the most common Dry Eye arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis which is a debilitating and progressive systemic inflammatory disease. RELATED PROBLEMS manifesting in adults include:1. Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca (Dry eye) 2. Corneal Ulcer – peripheral ulcerative keratititis
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3. Episcleritis and scleritis (swelling & redness of white coat of eye) can be nodular, diffuse or necrotising scleritis.
SCLERITIS.
3. Pain, localized redness, watering of eye, swelling in white portion of eye (sclera). Pain is also deepseated radiating to brow, forehead in case of EPISCLERITIS and
It is important for the primary treating Physician or Rheumatologist, Orthopaedic Surgeons to send all arthritis patients for ophthalmic examination as a routine or at the earliest presentation of ocular manifestations. Conversely, ocular problems in any patient with arthritis are indicative of an active ongoing disease and hence, ophthalmologist should work in association with treating physician. Nodular Scleritis
There are instances where patients coming late for treatment have led to sequelae of eye problems leading to loss of sight. Early consultation with Ophthalmologist can help treat the problem and prevent chronic disease related sequelae and loss of sight. Treatment will be in the form of eye drops, tablets, etc., both local and systemic medication may be needed at
Dr. Rama Devi K. S. Senior Consultant Shekar Nethralaya
633, 100 feet Ring Road JP Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru - 560078 Tel: 08026593210 fax: 08041209197 drrajashekaryl@shekarnethralaya.com Ph:9980562020 info@shekarnethralaya.com www.shekarnethralaya.com
Stop tooth decay. Fight cavities! You hear about them at the dentist’s office, and maybe you’ve even had one or two in your lifetime. But do you really know what cavities are all about? Cavity Development: Plaque And Tooth Decay A cavity is the space inside a tooth that remains once tooth decay is removed. Plaque, a colourless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, is one of the main causes of tooth decay. The reason we brush and floss every day is to remove plaque, because bacteria in plaque reacts with sugar in the foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel—the hard, protective covering on our teeth. Eroding enamel leaves the teeth unprotected, allowing for cavities to develop more easily. There are three different places where tooth decay and cavities form: On the biting surfaces of the teeth. This occurs when plaque gets trapped in the grooves or crevices of the teeth. This is most common in children, because they often miss these areas when brushing. Between teeth. This occurs when plaque is left to build up on the hardto-reach surfaces. These areas cannot be reached by a toothbrush alone and may be susceptible to decay if you don’t floss or clean between your teeth, regularly. On the root surfaces of the teeth. This is common if you have suffered gum recession or bone loss, often associated with gum disease, or periodontitis. It’s also more common to find decay here as you get older
How Can I Help Prevent A Cavity From Developing? Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent the formation of a cavity. Brush twice a day Use toothpaste or mouthwash containing fluoride, an agent that strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities Clean between your teeth daily with floss to help remove the plaque if your gums recede. If plaque is left to build up on the exposed roots of the teeth, then a cavity can quickly develop because roots do not have the same hard enamel covering. Cavity Risk Factors Specific foods and drinks. Foods that cling to your teeth are the most likely to promote tooth decay. All sugars and most cooked starchy foods are major plaque promoters, including milk, honey, raisins, hard candy, dry cereal and bread. Frequent snacking. Some diets suggest eating several small meals each day to help lose weight or maintain weight loss. But if you snack frequently, no matter what type of food, the acid in the food has more time to damage your teeth. Here’s another tip: Brushing your teeth after
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your toothbrush is unable to reach Follow a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks Schedule regular visits with your dentist, approximately every six months, for routine cleaning and exam Remember to change your toothbrush when it looks worn, or every three months, because the newer the bristles, the more plaque the brush is able to remove eating not only removes plaque, it can also help you stick to your diet by making your mouth feel cleaner so you’ll be less likely to snack. Bottled water instead of tap. Many people are concerned about the quality of their local tap water, but public water supplies contain some fluoride, which promotes oral health by helping to protect tooth enamel from plaque buildup. Check the labels on your bottled water—some have added fluoride. And if you have children, check with your dentist about the correct amount of fluoride that they should get to help control plaque and promote oral health. Receding gums. If your gums are receding, plaque can form near the roots of the teeth, which are not protected by tooth enamel and are more vulnerable to decay.
PERFECT 32
Keep the sparkle in your smile The Dental Care and Implant Centre Dr.Sandhya Ramanujam D.D.S (USA), B.D.S India),C.B.M.(USA), P.G.D.M.L.E (India), Fellowship in Implantology (USA)
jayanagar jp nagar & BTM
Improving 201 route services
O
n September 18th, Shashi Kumar, a resident of JP Nagar wrote to the Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), BMTC, asking them for connecting 3rd phase to Silkboard, Uttarahalli, Nayandahalli via JP Nagar 6th phase. In his letter, he also requested BMTC to divert route numbers 201J, 412 and 373M via Ring Road, turning left at Jayadeva signal. The CTM(O) responded to Shashi Kumar in a week, saying “If we change the existing route as per your request, we will receive lot of complaints from the regular travelers of this route.” He said the request will be re-examined when services are next augmented.
Increase the 201MD & 502J services by 2 buses each.
The total time taken (to & fro) on an average by 201MD is 120 mins. Since there are six buses presently, the frequency comes to 120/6 = 20 mins. With two more buses, the waiting time can come down to 15 mins. The total time taken (to & fro) on an average by 502J is 160 mins. With two more buses (compared to the current 6), the waiting time will be cut down to 20mins.
Introduce LED buses.
The 8 am 201MD bus is a normal bus whereas the 8:20am 201MD bus is LED board bus. Many do Citizen not realise that both routes are Reports the same. Not many passengers board the normal bus, as they mainly work for IT companies and from other states, they do not realise that they can get down at DELL. But the same people use the 8:20 am LED Kumar has made some suggestions bus as it displays DELL clearly on the in response to ensure better board. connectivity without BMTC having So the BMTC can use LED board to lose any revenue. buses to make both services familiar to people. His suggestions follows:
Classes at Puttenahalli Lake
T
he response to PNLIT’s request for volunteer teachers to help children from the slum abutting Puttenahalli Lake was overwhelming! 15 people volunteered their services for various subjects. Usha Rajagopalan, who initiated this activity, found out that classes are already being held in the temple located in the slum. She met the temple priest and the teacher Rajeshwari, who said that some students were in need of supplementary tuition and closer attention in certain subjects. The first class at the lake gazebo on 25th August was a one-onone session, where R Rajagopalan taught Physics to Deepubai of Std X. While there are many children who are enthusiastic to gain from extra classes to understand their school subjects better, there is a specific interest in spoken English
Computer excitement.Pic: Vijay Kumar
Arekere lake continues to remain in trouble On Monday, 1st October, late night, the Arekere lake on Bannerghatta Road breached the bund on the east side and flooded the neighbouring Vysya Bank Colony. Though the residents allege foul play, there is no confirmation on how the breach came about. Water mixed with sewage entered the houses in the Vysya Bank colony keeping residents up all night. BBMP and BWSSB responded to residents’ alert and managed to divert the water into the drains, quickly. According to the residents, last time the bund was damaged, the civic authorities only dumped loose sand and didn’t build a permanent one. Arbind Gupta, trustee of Arekere neighbourhood Improvement Trust (ANIT), who has been working closely with the civic authorities for the lake rejuvenation confirms this.
No fencing around the lake Citizen Reports
and Computer Science. So these are the subjects for which classes are currently being conducted. Vijay Kumar had a two-hour Computer Science session with five children last Sunday evening. They learnt about computer user logins, types of Operating Systems and MS Office basics with hands on practicals. The classes are being held at the gazebo. Vivek Krishna, Vijay Kumar, Usha Rajagopalan
6 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
Gupta says that the lake boundary remains disputed as there is no demarcation and therefore BDA is not able to fence it. He adds, “The BDA says that the power for the boundary demarcations remains with the Tehsildar, who has not done it so far. The earlier earmarked boundary is somewhere in the residential area as of now (since most of the lake has been encroahced over the years)” He has also filed an RTI seeking the details of on the demarcation.
Abhishek Angad
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local matters
Ekalavya awardee speaks the truth about basketball
Kruthika Lakshman has been playing Basketball since 2003. The recent Ekalavya award, is quite the morale booster for her. Here she shares her experiences and talks about what can be improved to produce better quality players.
2
3-year-old Basketball player, Kruthika Lakshman, bagged the Eklavya Awards for the year 2011-12. She is originally from Mysore but has been in Bangalore for the last 10 years. She was admitted to Sports School, Vidya Nagar,Yelahanka in 2003, where her career started.
Pic courtesy: Kruthika Lakshman
Interestingly, she chose volleyball at the sports school, but was pulled into basketball team because of her height. In Nimma the six months, after she joined neighbour the Sports school, she started playing at the state level and in December 2006 she represented India. She says it was her third and final attempt to apply for the awards and thankfully she got it. She believes that it is a big morale booster for her. Citizen Matters spoke to this Jayanagar 3rd Block resident about her love for this game.
If we speak about infrastructure, how is the scenario in India. What is the situation in Bangalore? Instead of practising in the cement court, if we practise in the wooden court, we would perform better. On the cemented court we play with the rubber balls in whereas we use leather balls on wooden courts. And the national level matches are conducted in wooden courts. Playing on the cemented court affects (our) long term career. It exerts lot of pressure on the legs as there is no cushioning like in the wooden court. We become susceptible to frequent knee injuries. Bangalore too has the same scenario. There may be some wooden courts available but not easily accessible.
In terms of coaching, how are foreign coaches different from Indian coaches? There are lot of differences. Unlike Indian coaches, foreign coaches don’t emphasise on early morning practice. Under them, we practice after eating heavy breakfast so that we have strength, stamina and endurance. But Indian coaches prefer to train us early 6.30 in the morning, which makes us tired soon.
Do basketball players have job security in the public sector? Men, have better options than women in Basketball. They can get through in Railways, Banks, ONGC, Income Tax, Customs etc but for women, the only scope is in Railways. There too the jobs are limited. If the particular state women’s team is not placed in top three nationally, we are unable to get jobs in Railways till group ‘C’, which at least ensures a clerical post. We don’t want to take group ‘d’ as even 10th standard pass can avail this option. Most players don’t continue knowing what they would end up with.
Kruthika completed her graduation in commerce and attributes much of her success to her alma mater Mount Carmel College, Vasanth Nagar. She says that the college was supportive inall aspects while she was busy playing Basketball matches for India.
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You graduated in 2011 in commerce, do you work anywhere as of now? I joined a sports management company, Leapstart four months back. The company has tied up with different schools in Bangalore to train kids for foundations of any sports. Schools have leapstart period like other periods. I train those kids in basketball.
Abhishek angad
Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7
check outs
Street food trend: Dosa fusion H
ow many dosa varieties can you name? Masala dosa, rave dosa, ragi dosa...Can you name 99 varieties? That’s exactly what the street side food carts claim. And the food lovers are digging in quite happily into the curious and sometimes bizarre combinations of dosas being served. Nikhil Banerjee, a software engineer in Koramangala, says, “I love the taste of it. And (I like it) more so, because it is quick, fresh and healthy. It is pocket-friendly and filling at the same time. And most importantly, it is easily available. So I like grabbing a dosa every time I pass by.” Dosa camps were the trend a decade ago, but there were only a handful of them. Now dosa stalls claiming to have 99 varieties of dosas are on practically all busy streets, setting a new trend in street food. The dosas of south Indian origin are served with flavours from literally the rest of the world. There is no printed menu but the helper at the stall will recite all the varieties like a rhyme. Mysore masala, chinese noodles, baby corn, spinach m a s a l a , pav bhaji masala... And the list
goes on! These piping hot dosas are served mostly with two varieties of chutneys - coconut and coriander. The dosa when dipped in the cold chutney, tastes delicious! But what enhances your appetite here is the way they make it.
and even noodles are folded into the dosa. All this happens at a lightning speed, before you know it you are already dipping that piping hot dosa into the cold chutney. And guess what? These hot delights won’t be heavy on your pockets. The price ranges from `35 to `60 depending on the variety you choose. It wouldn’t be a trouble finding these stall as they are now coming up on all the major roads and junctions.
Variety of ingredients used in Dosas. Pic - Anisha Nair
The speed with which they spread the dosa batter on the steaming hot tawa, it immediately starts sizzling. Freshly cut vegetables and ingredients of your choice from mushrooms, capsicums, onions, spinach, baby corn
Few popular present at:
stalls
are
Sony world junction, Koramangala Ganesha temple Koramangala
road,
6th
Block,
Opposite Shoppers stop, Bannerghatta Road, JP Nagar
Anisha Nair
Citizen Matters reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for the meals.
An unusual combination of Aloo Mushroom dosa. Pic - Anisha Nair
8 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
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Check outs The pyramid structure at Pyramid Valley. Pic: Anisha Nair
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Lung spaces you can drive to
I
f on a Sunday morning you want to spend your day with your dear ones away from the noisy city, do you have options other than Cubbon Park and Lalbagh? There are quite a few and not far from the city too. Shankaraa Foundation on Kanakapura Road is one such. It is an ideal getaway if arts and culture excites you. Shankaraa Foundation promotes intercultural interactions acts as a bridge between art and art lovers. It claims to be ‘a greenscape, dotted with timeless sculptures and an open- hearted space that promotes and propagates India’s heritage.’ There are traditional arts and dance classes and workshops held by Poorvaranga, the academy of traditional Arts; Hastanjali, the council for crafts and Ranga Guccha, a creative arena for the young. You can learn embroidering or paint your heart out or even learn pottery. They also offer degree courses in music and arts. And if you want to spend your weekend just relaxing amidst nature, head out to the Pyramid Valley on Kanakapura Road. Pyramid Valley is the home for the world’s largest pyramid for meditation. It is an international meditation center serving
individuals, societies and organisations. Shree Prashad, 41, an electrical engineer, says, “I come here at least once in a month because there is a sense of peace in the environment and it keeps me away from thinking of the stressful work schedules for a while.” The Maitreya-Buddha Pyramid can house 5,000 people and is built solely for practising intensive meditation. There are facilities like conference rooms and dining halls inside the campus. Also there are cottages available if you want to spend a couple of days. There is the Art of Living ashram if you want to practice meditation and yoga far away from the city. Regardless of your interest in activities happening at these centers, if you are a nature lover or like photography, these places will definitely not disappoint you.
Keep a tiny sum of money handy. Expect a knock on your door, and if you’d like Citizen Matters to contiue to come, say yes, and give us your cheque. We’ll look forward!
Call us at 9845506477 for questions.
Shankaraa Foundation: Doddakalsandra, Kanakapura Road. Ph: 22560772, 22560133 Pyramid Valley: Kebbedoddi Village, Harohalli Hobli, Kanakapura Road, Ramanagara District, Harohalli. Ph: 32723143 Art of Living International Center: Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura. Ph: 67262626/27
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Anisha Nair
is ters t a der en m Citiz g to rea e od in mov orted m r! e supp novemb from
Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9
exclusive
Bengaluru apartments under siege Large apartments in Bengaluru have been emerging as self-governing micro communities with a few even taking the lead on smart water and waste management. But now, they are feeling threatened.
B
engaluru’s apartments are yet again at the receiving end of the city’s policies. BBMP’s recent deadline on waste processing and tanker firms hike in water prices are both putting apartments under pressure as never before. And in a note of dissent, KSPCB chairman Dr Vaman Acharya has disagreed with BBMP’s ultimatum to apartments. BBMP has ordered that apartments should have their own garbage processing facilities by December 1st. BBMP has done this by bracketing apartments along with markets, tech parks, hotels etc., terming them all ‘bulk generators’. All apartments with more than 10 units should segregate and process their own waste. On the other hand, lakhs of independent houses will only have to segregate their waste, for pourakarmikas to collect. Until December 1st, BBMP will collect segregated waste from apartments at Rs 1 per kg; there is no such cost for independent houses. Apartment associations agree that garbage processing is a good concept, but point out practical difficulties. “Composting and biogas plants cost lakhs, and we don’t have even a year’s time to set them up. This is so abrupt,” says Rajesh Rao of
Trinity Acres and Woods apartment in Bellandur. Other concerns are about lack of space for setting up the units, managing smell, distributing excess compost generated, etc.
from it. Diamond District in Old Airport Road, Godrej Woodsman apartment in Hebbal, and Mantri Tranquil in Kanakpura Road are among them.
Processing waste
Is BBMP’s approach legal?
Sandhya Narayan, member of the civic group, Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), says that apartments with 25-100 units can set up composting units that cost maximum of Rs 1.5 - 2 lakhs. For apartments with less than 25 units, waste can be processed at the household level itself, using individual or shared compost khambas.
Residents of some city apartments say the Palike is overstepping. An RWA member of Sobha Aquamarine apartment in Bellandur, says on condition of anonymity, “BBMP’s notice is illegal; it cannot stop collecting waste from apartments.”
Large apartments will have to shell out much more. For apartments with over 800 units, organic waste converters are ideal. They can process about a tonne of garbage daily, but cost about Rs 15 lakhs to be set up. A midsize apartment (between 100-800 units) may have to set up multiple composting units, or a more expensive waste converter. Currently there are a few city apartments that process their own garbage and even earn revenue
10 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
The RWA member says that apartments processing their own garbage is a long-term solution, and is necessary. “Segregation is in our own interest. But BBMP should not hold a gun to our head to make this happen”, he says. Interestingly, KSPCB Chairman Dr Vaman Acharya sides with residents. He says that BBMP cannot stop collecting garbage, as per KMC Act and Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000. BBMP Commissioner Rajneesh Goel is not being categorical. On whether he will re-consider the insistence apartments process their
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Editorial
Smart BBMP?
B
Left: Mantri Tranquil compost unit. Right: Tankers supply water to apartments. File pics.
own waste, Goel says, “In a month, we will have to see what happens, and then decide what to do.”
Tanker water troubles Many apartment managers are also worried about steep hikes in water prices over the last few months, especially since the city’s water crisis became severe, especially in the outskirts. Bannerghatta Neighbourhood Association (BANA) is a collective of 25 apartments along Bannerghatta Road. BANA Treasurer Shankar Bharadwaj says there have been sharp hikes recently and that the price varies from Rs 450 to Rs 600 per load of 6000 litres. “The price (for tanker water) used to be Rs 300-330 until 3-4 months ago”, he says. Large apartments like L&T South City are charged Rs 450, while the smaller apartments are charged Rs 550-600 since they consume less. In one city outskirt area, a local tanker association has demanded a 33% hike instead of the usual annual hike of 10%. Worried apartment owners wanted to maintain anonymity because of the sensitive nature of their negotiations with tanker companies behaving in
cartel-like fashion. Residents are worried that new water suppliers are being prevented from catering to their areas. “Our apartment came up in 1994, but we still do not have any supply other than from tankers. People with different income levels stay in our apartment, and not everyone can afford the tanker water hike,” says a resident in one of the apartments here. In this area, borewells 1000 feet deep are dry. M Venkatesh, owner of Lakshmi Venkateshwara Water Supply Company in Kalyan Nagar, says that he used to distribute 5000 litres of water at the cost of Rs 400. He has not been supplying now as his borewell source has dried up. About high prices in other areas, he says, “In new layouts, there is no Cauvery or borewell water. Demand is high there, and tankers have to get water from far away sources. Hence the high prices.” BANA plans to ask authorities to regulate water prices, but currently no government agencies regulate private water prices. For the moment, the water and waste disposal situation for apartments looks bleak.
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Navya P K
BMP Commissioner Rajneesh Goel is a smart man. To back up his ultimatum forcing apartments to do wet waste processing within, he brought up an unknown pollution control rule. Goel pointed out recently that builders of big apartments are already bound to set up waste processing facilities. Apparently the state’s pollution watchdog, KSCPB, had made a rule in 2006 stating that installation of these facilities be made a condition to issuing Occupancy Certificates. This he says is reason enough for BBMP to stop collecting waste from apartments which do not have converters or compost pits! It is another matter that neither builders nor consumers buying flats are aware of this rule. The preference to cite a rule is actually a good thing. It shows that at least one BBMP Commissioner appears to still have symbolic respect for a rule based system. What Goel and the KSPCB ought to have considered is this: approvals for apartments are given to builders by town planning departments of BBMP and BDA. Approvals for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are given by KSPCB through a clear cut procedure too, that dovetails into the main sanction process. Builders therefore have to make provision for STPs when building the project, and the costs are passed to the property owners. Why did waste converters not already happen for the past six years then? It’s simple: All of the sanctioning authorities — BDA, BBMP and KSPCB — slept on it, until the garbage crisis became a wakeup call in September 2012. More apartments and gated layouts are being built and launched with each passing month. Any commissioner who is serious about getting waste processing mandatorily done within apartment communities is better off getting the city’s approval process to enforce waste converter or composting installations from the start. At least this will fix the problem going forward.
Subramaniam vincent
Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11
for your Info
Recognising signs of Heart Disease In the previous article we discussed whether you are at risk of having heart disease. However, just knowing that you are at risk is only one part of story. You also need to recognise if you have heart disease. Medical science is full of instances of men/ women losing their life because they did not recognise and respond in time to features of heart disease.
What should make you suspect ? Most of people understand that the cardinal sign of having a heart disease is severe chest pain. While this may be true in most of cases , there is a large population which does not experience typical chest pain. A very typical association is of sweat breaking out, or sometimes one gets the feeling of impending doom. It should also be noted that Diabetics are particularly at risk of getting heart attack without any symptoms, a phenomenon called
Shortness of breath.
health matters
Col (Retd.) Dr Mukul Saxena ‘silent heart attack.’ Some of the other manifestations one needs to be alert to, include: Palpitations Excessive and early fatigue. Too fast or slow heart rate.
Dizziness Light headedness
A strong index of suspicion is important. The next is a regular clinical examination by a Physician to check your weight, Blood Pressure, pulse rate, heart size, testing your sugar levels, cholesterol and other lipid levels, and ECG.
Pain in abdomen: often missed as gastric or gas problem, and sometimes treated with antacids with disastrous results. Pain in back: again managed with analgesics and massage. Pain radiating to neck or jaw: sometimes leading heart patients to dentists.
Easy and safe nutrients for the garden (Part II)
S
o here’s part II of the organic nutrients that you can use to help your garden flourish.
Compost Tea Another simple and rich liquid nutrient for plants and the soil is compost tea that can easily be made at home. It merely entails steeping compost in water. Fill a 16 litre bucket with water and let it sit for at least 24 hrs (this will help any chlorine dissipate which would otherwise hinder the growth of microbes). Add 2-3 large mugfuls of compost in another bucket and pour the water over it. The ratio is approx 5:1 water/compost. Mix well. Allow the mixture to brew for 3 - 7 days, stirring deep a few times every
Chlorophyll conversations
vinita suryanarayanan
day. This is an important step as this is an aerobic process and requires the oxygen. After the brewing period, strain the finished product using a piece of muslin. The used compost can be put back in the compost bin. The brew in the bucket is the compost tea. Use a dilute solution of the tea (1:10) and spray over plants as pure brew is too strong to use as is. Do not apply to leaves in hot, sunny weather. Use every 2 weeks or as needed. Begin using when plants have at least one set of leaves; One can also drench the soil with it before
12 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
sowing. Adding a small amount of liquid jaggery (about 2 Tablespoons) can aid the process as it provides food for microbes. The tea should have a fresh earthy smell. If it stinks, do not use. Instead add more water and stir deeper and more often everyday. Also remember that the tea should be used within a few hours of being brewed; else it loses its nutrient value. A jute or muslin bag can be used to hold the compost while brewing. This will save the effort of straining. However make sure to steep it for atleast 7 days and stirring often if using this method. More on this in the next issue.
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“Citizens should rise up to support R P Sharma” B BMP’s recent entry into Facebook may have impressed a few, what with the Bengaluru Traffic Police holding fort well on the social media. But not Justice Santosh Hegde. “BBMP is a den of corruption”, he says, in the direct and unhesitating way he is known to speak.
Pic: Anisha Nair
Interview
Alright. So you do feel Citizen Matters is a different cut. To ensure we are back soon in our new print avatar, you need to do something NOW.
Justice Santosh Hegde, a man who needs no introduction to Bangaloreans, recently endorsed Citizen Matters’ Living in Bengaluru book at an event in Whitefield. Will he endorse candidates in the assembly elections next year? What does he say about the battle between top cop R P Sharma of BMTF and the state government over prosecuting engineers in BBMP?
Why do you think this time there hasn’t been the kind of public outcry (On transferring R P Sharma) that was there earlier when you offered to quit as Lokayukta? That is because the biggest scam in the media, is ‘Coalgate.’ People are concentrating on reading this issue rather than taking up the issue of Mr Sharma’s transfer from the Task Force. Otherwise this is an issue of concern, because today as everybody knows, BBMP is a den of corruption. Practically every decision they take is motivated by corruption. I think Mr. Sharma identified these things and when he suspended the engineers and wanted to chargesheet them, there was a threat.
Where do you come in on the future of ‘India Against Corruption’ group? I joined India Against Corruption
only for the objective they had then - fight against corruption and fight for a strong Lokpal institution. If that continues, well I am there. If somebody else starts a similar movement against corruption, I will be with them, unless they don’t want me to. I am not for politics. I don’t oppose anybody from the India Against Corruption forming a political party because I believe that there is a need of change in political blood in this country and people with a commitment for democracy and the betterment of the country must enter politics because today the people who are managing politics are all there to make it into a profession or earnings or ‘killings’, let me say.
There was a huge backlash, almost a 1000 engineers gathered to protest.. This is what happens when corruption gets accumulated and some bull in a china shop goes in and starts digging. And what were the people doing? People should have supported Mr Sharma and the Task Force in this. I think they(people) did not rise up to the occasion.
Subramaniam vincent
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Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13
for your Info
Understanding how to segregate waste
Clarifying all you wanted to know about waste segregation - the what, why, where and how to do it! From food waste to recyclables, e-waste to biomedical waste. What do you mean by waste segregation? Waste segregation basically means keeping wet and dry wastes separately, so that dry can be recycled and wet waste can be composted Why should I do it? So that it reduces waste that gets landfilled and reduces pollution to air and water So that different processescomposting, recycling, incineration can be applied to different kinds of waste How do I practice waste management at home? Keep separate containers for dry and wet waste in the kitchen Keep two bags for dry waste collection- paper and plastic , for the rest of the household waste Keep plastic from the kitchen clean and dry and drop into the dry waste bin. Keep glass /plastic containers rinsed of food matter Send wet waste out of the home daily. Store and send dry waste out of the home , once a week. Keep a paper bag for throwing the sanitary waste What is the first few steps to initiating waste management in the apartment complex? Form a group of like minded people Explain waste segregation to your family / neighbours in your apartment building. Get the staff in the apartment building to also understand Get separate storage drums for storing the dry
waste and wet waste. Have the dry waste picked up by the dry waste collection centre or your local scrap dealer DRY WASTE What is Dry Waste? Paper, plastics, metal, glass, rubber, thermocol, Styrofoam, fabric, leather, rexine, wood – anything that can be kept for an extended period without decomposing Will dry waste smell if I store it for a week? Not if it is clean a n d dry. Make sure that plastic sachets of milk, curds, oil, idli batter, any food item, are cleaned of all their contents and dried before being put in the dry waste bag. Then they will not stink. Will I have cockroach, rats and flies problems? Only if any food residue or organic matter is present in the dry waste. Clean dry waste will not attract any vermin. How do I store pizza and cake boxes? Clean the pizza or cake boxes of all food residue – with a wet kitchen cloth or newspaper, or rinse them quickly in water and let them dry out before putting them in the dry waste container. How do I store pickle, sauce bottles? Sauce bottles should be rinsed thoroughly with water. Pickle bottles can be cleaned with soap and
water, as they contain oil. Basically, no food residue must be left in the bottles. Clean them as you would to reuse them. (You can wipe with a newspaper to remove the oil) What do I do with milk packets, dosa packets, and yoghurt containers? Clean them thoroughly. Open out the milk, yoghurt and dosa batter packets completely at one end, and wash out all the residue (hot water helps clean milk packets better). They can be put to wash with the dishes in the sink, then dried on a line, and put into the dry waste bag. If I order take away from a local darshini- do I have to rinse the plastics bags/containers? Oh yes. Any plastic containing any food has to be rinsed, or washed with soap and water if required, and dried before being put into the dry waste bag. Should I rinse my juice containers/ tetra packs? Yes, otherwise ants will be attracted to the sugar in the juice. Will my biscuit/bread packet attract ants? How do I store them? Make sure all the bread / biscuit crumbs are shaken out of the packet, so they do not attract ants. What do I do with old clothes/ shoes/ handbags/belts/toys? If they are still in usable condition, they should be given to some organization that collects them. If they are totally unusable, or
Part I
14 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
very damaged, they are still categorized as dry waste. If clothes are soiled with body fluids, they become sanitary waste. If they are soiled with paint, or any chemicals, they are HHW (household hazardous waste). What do I do with old bed linen/ mattress/ pillows etc? Same as above. What do I do with my old furniture/ broken glass table? Old furniture can be recycled, if not, along with broken glass it can disposed of as debris or rubbish (inerts). What do I do with old crockery / non-stick pans etc? If they are not broken, they are recyclable dry waste. If broken, debris or rubbish (inerts). What do I do with my old taps/ broken sanitary ware? Old taps – recyclable dry waste. Broken sanitary ware – debris or rubbish (inerts). What do I do with my old brooms/ floor cleaning cloths/ dry mops/ bathroom cleaning brush? If it is clean and dry, plastic portions can be recycled and the rest can be considered as sanitary waste. What is the best method of storing dry waste? Store it in a bag in the utility area after cleaning and drying, till it is picked up.
More on this in the next issue. This guide was provided by the Solid Waste Management Round Table, a forum of organisations and individuals working to improve Bangalore’s waste management practices. Meera K also provided inputs to the article.
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classifieds HEALTH & Nutrition SRINIVASA DENTAL CARE CENTRE Dr. VISHWAS # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Opp to HDFC ATM, Bangalore- 76. Ph:41201345, 9845195605. Multi specialist Dental clinic & Implant Centre. CHILDRENS DENTAL CLINIC DR. NERAJA RAJU Consultant Pedodontist. For appointment : 9845195605, 41201345. Address: #383, 8th main, 7th cross, Opp to HDFC ATM, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore-76 Adult and pediatric neurology physiotherapy clinic Dr. Akshata Nadgir mpt (pediatrics), CMT Consultant at G1-Vidhata residancy, 7th main, 19th cross, BTM 2nd stage, ph9741115687 Visiting time: 10.00Am to 1.00Pm, 5.00Pm to 8.00Pm
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Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 15
see & do FILMS
Film screening: “Finding Carlton - Uncovering the Story of Jazz in India” Film by Susheel Kurien Monday, 15 Oct at 6 pm, Bangalore International Centre, TERI Complex, Domlur II Stage. Tel: 08025359680
TALK
Green Ethics “To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.” William Blake. How do you see the world? What is ecology all about? What difference can one person make in
shaping the future? Making conscious and informed choices. Free Admission Fri 26 Oct 7 pm, New Acropolis, #203, HM Studios, 67 St. Mark’s road (Behind Nandini hotel)
THEATRE Rangashankara plays 2 Tue 3 Wed Ee Mukhadavaru Kannada. (also at 3.30 pm on Tue) 4 Thu 5 Fri Ratnan Prapancha Kannada 6 Sat Krafff No language, (for 5 year olds and above) 7 Sun Chirebandi Vaade Kannada. (also at 3.30 pm) 9 Tue Mysooru Mallige Kannada. 10 Wed Kamala Kannada.
Krafff: An extraordinary performance that combines intelligently puppetry, theatre and dance. It places on stage a dancer and a paper figurine that embark on an unusual pas de deux. The paper dancer, the puppet, is created (and guided) in full view of audiences by four artists with the help of long strips of kraft paper that they unfold, fold, crumple and twist. 5 years+. Sat, 6 Oct, 7:30 pm, Ranga Shankara. 16 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
Music Gear
11 Thu Nam Thimthana Dealers in Musical Instruments Kannada. and accessories 12 Fri Aa Ghalige…! JP Nagar Kannada. Call 13 Sat 14 Sun 9880599956 Bollywood www.musicgear.in Bandwagon English-Hindi. (Not suitable for his work, our signature those below 18 years of arts appreciation course, age) (also at 3.30 pm on solo performances Sun) by renowned theatre 18 Thu Nantu – Adu personalities, a posterHeegu Unto Kannada. design competition, 19 Fri Vigadavikramaraya Shakespeare readings in Kannada. the parks, and lots more. 20 Sat Mukkam Post Picasso at the Lapin Agile Bombalawadi Kannada. - a play by Steve Martin Ranga Shankara Theatre Albert Einstein runs into Festival celebrates William Pablo Picasso in a bar. Shakespeare. Two weeks And that’s not even the of non-stop theatre beginning of the joke. starting from Oct 27 to It’s 1904, in a quaint bar in Nov 11 Paris. However the setting In store at the festival are becomes magical as on productions from different that chosen evening, Lapin corners of the world, plus Agile witnesses presence of two from India. From one genius after another – Mumbai, there are Atul well almost! What follows is Kumar’s “Twelfth Night” a series of witty exchanges and Sunil Shanbag’s “All’s and gags, that makes the Well That Ends Well”. evening as entertaining as And from overseas the it is unreal! plays include Dhaka Tahatto invites you to the Theatre’s “The Tempest” Premiere shows of ‘Picasso from Bangladesh; and at the Lapin Agile’ Marjanishvili’s “As You Saturday, Oct 13 - 7.30pm Like It” from Georgia. All Sunday, Oct 14 - 3.30pm and of these plays have just 7.30pm finished performing at the Alliance Francaise Globe to Globe Festival, BANGALORE. Tickets: 99457 and have left audiences 99224 wonderstruck. The days to follow will see a sonnet recitation evening, LIST your event free! Submit your screenings of two events online www.citizenmatters.in or mail events@citizenmatters.in films based on Want to book an ad or classified? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 614
Bangalore gears up to a week of joyful giving
Features
T
he fourth edition of the ‘festival of giving’ is back! Launched in 2009, the Joy of Giving Week is celebrated every October to celebrate ‘giving.’ It is a week where Indians from all walks of life give back to their society. “The goal is to engage citizens of the country and instil values of caring, civic and social responsibility. Bengaluru with its metropolitan culture has a responsibility to give back more,” says Rajan Narayan, volunteer, Joy of Giving Week. Events are organised by individuals, social groups, schools, colleges, NGOs, corporates or media houses. The events will be held across 70 cities and towns in India. Last year Bangalore saw more than 30 events; this year there are even more! At ‘Food for change’, those who donate at least Rs 5000 to a cause of their choice, are invited to a special evening to restuaratns. The best hotels and restaurants in the city will showcase their culinary talent and skills at ‘Food for Change’ to raise funds for over 50 NGOs in Bangalore. “Funds raised could help educate a child, provide shelter to the elderly, subsidise medical costs for a poor patient, rehabilitate a mentally ill homeless woman and reach out to several more such underprivileged people”, says Meena Dave, the event organiser from Bangalore Cares. Oct 6th, 2012, 6.30pm to 10pm, SAP Labs. Ph: 2222 2571 “The children attending the Museum School at Bangalore will witness their first annual day celebrations, with support from the team at Joy of Giving Week. They are gearing up for a week long celebration of learning, entertainment and exchange programme,” says Ramesh Balasundaram, Director, CEFI (Child
“The children attending the Museum School will have a week long celebration of learning, entertainment and exchange programs, with support from JOGW volunteers. The museum school operates out of city museums, like the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. The school supports 100 non-school going children from slums. Pic: Musium School
Empowerment Foundation India), whose Bal Utsav initiative started the school. The school is an effort to try and fill the gap in the quality of education between a privileged child and a poor child. The Museum School operates out of city museums, like the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. The school supports 100 non-school going children from the slums of Bangalore and operates five days a week for four hours a day. Let’s Live Together, a volunteer helpline in Bangalore formed to help homeless and helpless dogs, is organising an adoption camp for solving the street dog issue sensibly as a part of Joy of Giving Week on October 7th in Malleswaram. 30 healthy Indian puppies, rescued from the streets, will be available for adoption. Ph: 9986413916 Apartments like Sterling Terraces
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Apartments, Banashankari, are also participating as a community. Residents here, are organising an event ‘i-care’ on October 8th. They are donating newspapers, clothes, toys etc. to the representatives from Nava Chetana and Manonandana, which are schools that support differently-abled children. The residents will also donate, one or more saris to Goonj, at the event Ek Ghar Ek Saree. Prarthana Unkalkar Kaul, Regional Head, iVolunteer, is collecting notebooks and writing material for underprivileged children, who lack writing practice for want of extra notebooks. She has collected 7500 notebooks already! For more initiatives or ideas on what you can do, check out joyofgivingweek.ning.com. For more details: info@joyofgivingweek.org
Nagashree Gururaj
Vol-4 Issue-18 06 - 19 Oct 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 17
last word
The Big C
C
onfidence. It is the one thing we want our child to possess in bundles, even if we sorely lack it in many areas. Confident enough to come down the slide in the park; talk to people without hesitating, confident enough to appear on stage; confident enough in their swimming class, fearless when they step into the pool even though we may be hydrophobic ourselves. The list is a long one.
she says. To help her daughter get active, Sharmila has done what she thought was the best way out. She has become active herself. ‘We were on holiday recently and I climbed a rope ladder, something I was quite scared of actually, to show her it can be fun.”
Someone I know learnt swimming when she was 36 to help her son get over his fear of being in the water. confessionS of a second time mom “Having me around made him feel safe,” she would say. Reshmi Chakraborty
We may not get all ‘Pushy Parent’ about this, but the truth is that we admire a confident child when we see one and wish the same for our child. Well many of us do. If you don’t, you have attained a Zen-like state of motherhood and I’d like to sign up for lessons.
Sharmila, mum to 4-year-old Shriya, would like her daughter to get more outdoorsy and confident about physical activities like climbing up and down slides, going on swings and cycling. “I used to be scared about doing these things myself as a kid and was never adventurous, so I’d like her to at least try them out,”
Deepa Athreya, founder of the Chennai/Bangalore based School of Success, would probably say this is the best way to make your child feel secure and confident about something. Confidence comes from letting your child know how secure they are and how much you are there for them. “Connect with them first and correct later,” she says. A ‘leadership coach for kids,’ Deepa has been working for over 10 years, conducting workshops for almost 6000 kids across India. Her workshops feature topics like overcoming shyness and fear, handling peer pressure and depression among others, where the children work on different projects and go on field trips. “When it comes to confidence, I urge parents that at the end of the day they (children) are our mirror image.” She cites an example. Children who see their parent/s communicating with clarity are likely to be less introverted than others. It’s also important to back them up and play up their strengths. No matter which way you do it. A Facebook acquaintance recently put up a video of her son playing the guitar. A surprise as she is a rather private person not prone to displaying her family online. “Just thought it would be good for him,” she says when I ask, “And all the lovely comments and likes have made him quite excited and confident about playing.” Deepa, who has a talkative, bubbly daughter and a reserved son, says she had to sometimes remind him of his special strengths (he’s skilled in robotics and good in studies) when people were shower attention on his sister.
Pic: Reshmi Chakraborthy
She urges parents not to compare their child. “By doing that, we are putting pressure on the child that will affect their confidence. Your child has his strengths, so compare with themselves than with others.” It’s a parenting lesson many of us need to learn.
18 CITIZEN MATTERS 06 - 19 Oct 2012 Vol-4 Issue-18
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