Blood donation camps, clay Ganesha workshops, GAIL, solar energy, Telegram & more stories

Blood donation camps
HSR is leading the way with blood donations too. Last month, there were three blood donation camps. The Harlur-Somsundrapalya Residents Association organised it as part of their Ganesha festival. Kaagaz Foundation organised one on Independence Day in association with Sanjay Gandhi Hospital.

Despite heavy rain in the morning, over 60 people donated blood and saved many lives. Over 51 units of blood was donated by the donors. Quite a novel way to celebrate the day India got its freedom. The World of Titan outlet in HSR celebrated its 9th anniversary on August 9th by having a blood donation camp of their own. More than 50 people turned up for the humane drive. It goes to show that HSR residents have a heart in the right place.

Ganesha celebrations with a twist
As part of Ganesha celebrations, the residents of Somsundrapalya had a novel painting competition on local civic issues. There was a Ganesha theme to reflect social issues. There was a voter registration drive as well. And saplings were distributed and planted during the celebrations. This Ganesha backdrop banner says it all. And the credit goes to the Haraluru-Somsundrapalya Residents Association.

Clay Ganesha workshops galore
HSR residents organised six clay Ganesha workshops last month. Those who enrolled for the Hasiru Mithra two-hour workshops for Rs 100 were given clay and had a trainer to help them with their creativity at the BBMP Grounds opposite Cooljoint.

HSR Citizen Forum held five two-hour sessions of clay Ganesha last month, where more than 200 Ganeshas were moulded by kids and parents alike. The venues were varied. From parks (Ganesha temple parks in Sector 1 and 7, the twin park in Sector 3) to apartments (Purva Fairmont, Sector 2) to companies (3M, Electronic City), it was one dedicated effort by the volunteers, especially Krupa Narayanan, Divya Ramachandra and Chitra Praneeth. The organisers only charged for the amount of clay employed for the purpose. Truly, a novel way to usher in an eco-friendly way of life.

GAIL and its damages
The residents are upset that GAIL, the central government agency in charge of providing piped natural gas to people’s homes, can be so inept at its job.”It’s scary that Gail has dug up and damaged many sewage and water pipes,” says Kavitha R. “I have personally decided not to take Gail connection given their irresponsibility.” Adds Vatsa from Sector 6: “Gail dug up all the roads in Sector 6 and either didn’t patch up properly or left it just as it is. Does the Corporator or MLA do any follow up? What about the BBMP engineers?” Agrees Kamesh R: “In the name of ‘pilot project’, Gail has damaged all the roads in HSR. They must own up and fix them.” Agrees Fazal K: “They have destroyed the infrastructure to a large extent and it hasn’t been repaired or restored as yet. My car went down two feet on the road they dug up outside my house. This was after they tarred the road.” If you have issues with GAIL, contact Anagamuthu, senior manager and nodal officer at 95384-43678 and contractor Anshuman at 98254-97277.

Harassed? Have proof? Come to us
Residents Watch is announcing an anti-corruption and anti-harassment drive in HSR Layout. If any of you or your friends have been harassed repeatedly by HSR govt officials, be it the police, telecom, BBMP, RTO, Bescom, BWSSB or any other civic utility, tell us the full story with proof and we will publish it in Residents Watch. We will name them, shame them and also get them punished for their sins. Just remember that they should presently be attached to the Bommanahalli zone. Mail all your complaints to: residentswatchmag@gmail.com. We would also urge our readers to make use of ‘Sakala’ online for all issues regarding government departments. This saves you from corruption and harassment. Only khata-related queries are not being done online because the residents don’t submit the right documents and the purpose isn’t served. Instead, they are to contact the respective revenue official at BDA or BBMP and submit their applications.

Solar lighting triumphs
MG Mulukur’s solar-powered home in Sector 3 was written about us in our previous issues. Similarly, Suresh Bhaskaran reports from Sector 4 that his two-year-old solar installation has reaped rich dividends too. “It cost me Rs 3.6 lakh for 3 kilo watt power,” he says. “What was an electricity bill of Rs 1700 before is now Rs 500.” Now, thanks to GST and other reasons, the costs have come down further to Rs 50-60,000 per kilo watt. It’s time to go solar and become an eco champion. Will you?

Photograph plastic usage
If the residents find restaurants using plastic glasses and spoons, they can take a picture of them and inform BBMP health inspector Vinod, so he can penalise them and ensure it is not repeated. His number is 98446-29911. Earlier, Nizams, Bhog and Agarwal Bhavan were found violating the rule. If you still find them going back to their old ways, complain now. Let this notice also serve as a warning to all the restaurants and eateries in the neighbourhood.

Whatspp Group has migrated to Telegram
The niche Whatsapp Group of Residents Watch has now migrated to Telegram messenger app. The group contains presspersons from across media, representatives of all sector resident welfare associations, apartment association, government officials and the local politicians.

Now, we want any concerned resident of HSR to be part of it. Just one condition: you have to be proactive in the group. If you can fulfil that criteria and want to serve the society you live in, email us with your details and we will be glad to add you. But first download the Telegram app.