Deepak N

Quite often, we hear about the Yamuna River being so polluted that it is dead! Essentially, what this means is that the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in its water has fallen so low that it cannot support life within it, let alone posing severe health risks for the civilisations that have been residing on its banks for centuries.  Rivers used to be the backbone of civilisations. Today, this has slightly changed in India. The upstreams of rivers still provide freshwater for Indian cities to thrive. But the downstreams of these same rivers have become dumping grounds for the very cities that prosper because of them. Like most of Urban India, this is prevalent in Bangalore too. The Vrishabhavathi River starts near the Peenya Industrial Area and Sankey Tank and flows through the southwestern valley of Bengaluru, joining the Arkavathi River further south. The Vrishabhavathi River is not very far from becoming like the Yamuna. And hence, it is now more important than ever that we talk about this river. Talk against the injustice happening to this river and the livelihoods that have been relying on it for centuries. I am grateful to receive support from the CFL to conduct a research project on the Vrishabhavathi. This project intends to highlight:  1) The hydrological phenomenon of a river, by drawing parallels between the Cauvery and the Vrishabhavathi.  2) Why does one river look so different from the other one, although they are the same hydrological phenomenon? 3) What are the consequences of a polluted river?  4) What does the Constitution say about this reality? This is a call to all of civil society, water practitioners, and Bangaloreians to join me in this journey. Or even help me connect with resources and resourceful people who have studied this river. Please feel free to message me directly.  #bengaluru #bangalore #cauvery @DKShivakumar @GBAChiefComm @GBA_office @Lolita_TNIE @ChristinMP_

Nail Trap Mafia Back in Bengaluru? Are Roads Being Turned into Profit Zones for Puncture Rackets The menace of puncture gangs appears to be resurfacing in Bengaluru, raising serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement. Fresh reports are emerging from the stretch between Hebbal and goraguntepalya, where multiple motorists have complained about sudden tyre punctures under suspicious circumstances.Commuters have reportedly found a large number of sharp nails deliberately scattered across the road an act that strongly points toward organized malpractice rather than coincidence. These tactics are not just dishonest, but outright dangerous, as they put lives at risk, especially on busy, high-speed roads. What’s even more alarming is the pattern behind these incidents. In many such cases, puncture repair shops are found operating nearby, leading to strong suspicions that certain individuals may be orchestrating these acts to exploit stranded motorists and make quick money. This kind of exploitation reflects a deeply unethical and criminal mindset, preying on helpless people in distress.Such cheap and illegal tricks have no place in a city like Bengaluru, which prides itself on being a major urban and technological hub. If left unchecked, this “puncture mafia” could grow into a larger organized racket, further eroding trust in public spaces.Authorities must take strict and immediate action conduct regular patrols, identify hotspots, and crack down on those involved. At the same time, citizens should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Bengaluru cannot afford to let such fraudulent practices become normalized. #bangalore #bengaluru #hebbal #puncturemafia @BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic @Jointcptraffic @CPBlr @alokkumar6994 @DgpKarnataka @KarnatakaCops @Lolita_TNIE @ChristinMP_