Bengaluru residents allege waste being dumped into open field from garbage plant

Civic Issues

The waste plant in Electronic City has been facing strong opposition from local residents for two years now.

Soumya Chatterjee

It’s getting from bad to worse for Bengaluru residents living in and around the Chikkanagamangala solid waste plant. Residents have been complaining about a bad odour emanating from the unit for more than two years. Now, residents say the smell has not only worsened but the groundwater quality of the area has been impacted as well, stating that the plant is releasing the leachate (toxic liquid generated in mixed waste containers) into open fields, instead of properly processing it.  Deepu Chandran, a resident, said, “I had gone there at night to see what was happening, along with other residents. The entire field was stinking to high heavens. KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) had directed them to empty the pond and clean the area. Instead of transporting the leachate to a treatment facility, they decided to empty it into the field in the middle of the night. This is highly deplorable and unscrupulous.” Sridhar S, another resident of the area, said, “After we noticed the dirty water being pumped out, we called the police last night, and they told us to give a complaint this morning. Today the KPSCB is coming to check. After they come, we’ll file the police complaint.” He added the polluted water will also pollute the groundwater on which many of the residents depend upon. “This is the same water (groundwater) that we drink, and the cows drink. It all stinks a lot. There’s a big problem of mosquitoes too because of the plant. We can’t eat in peace. In the state we live in now, we can’t even breathe. We’ve gone to all authorities about this. The only thing left to do now is drink this polluted water and lose our lives.”   He also questioned the need for releasing the water in the dark of the night unless something was unscrupulous.  Video clips shot on Monday night and posted on Twitter allegedly show the polluted water from the pond within the SWM plot was being pumped out into a nearby field, with wires of the motor coming from within the plant.  This is not the first time that the waste plant has made news for the wrong reasons. Residents have earlier said that it has been difficult to keep their windows open due to the stench and presence of flies. One resident also pointed out that there were houses within 50 meters and Tech Mahindra office less than a kilometer from where leachate was being pumped. Another resident said that this was a result of the waste being sent for onland disposal through private players, instead of being sent for processing. This comes after the residents of Doddanagamangala and Chikkanagamangala in Electronic City phase 2 used Twitter to widely criticise the situation, demanding that the Chikkanagamangala SWM plant be shut down with the hashtag #ShutDownEcitySWMPlant, featuring over 37,000 tweets.  Residents say that they have placed several complaints to different authorities, such as the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) and KSPCB over the years but to no avail. While the plant was set up in 2015 and stopped operations shortly after its commissioning, it started operating in 2018. 

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Bengaluru's IISc researchers developing vaccines for COVID-19, HIV

Coronavirus

The institute's molecular bio-physics unit professor Raghavan Varadarajan is leading the team of researchers on developing the vaccines.

IANS

Researchers at the renowned Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru are developing vaccines to treat COVID-19 and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), an official said on Tuesday. "The researchers have developed a heat-tolerant COVID-19 vaccine candidate and a rapid method to identify specific regions on the HIV envelope protein that are targeted by anti-bodies, which can help design effective vaccines," said the official in a statement here. The institute's molecular bio-physics unit professor Raghavan Varadarajan is leading the team of researchers on developing the vaccines. "The COVID-19 vaccine candidate contains a part of the spike protein of the novel coronavirus called the receptor binding domain (RBD), the region that helps the virus stick to the host's cell," said the official. The vaccine candidate is being developed in collaboration with Mynvax, a start-up, co-founded by Varadarajan and incubated at a lab in the institute. "When tested in guinea pig models, the vaccine candidate triggered a strong immune response. It also remained stable for a month at 37 degree Celsius, and freeze-dried versions could tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degree Celsius," noted the statement. Such 'warm' vaccines can be stored and transported without expensive cooling equipment to remote areas for mass vaccination although most vaccines need to be stored between 2-8AoC or even cooler temperatures to avoid losing their potency. The difference between the vaccine being developed at the institute and other COVID vaccines is the former's candidate uses only a specific part of the RBD, a string of 200 amino acids instead of the entire spike protein. The researchers inserted genes coding for this part via a carrier DNA molecule, called a plasmid, into mammalian cells, which churned out copies of the RBD section. The team also found that the RBD formulation was as good as the full spike protein in triggering an immune response in guinea pigs but much more stable at high temperatures for extended periods. "We have to get funds to take this forward to clinical development," said Varadarajan, adding it would include safety and toxicity studies in rats along with process development and GMP manufacture of a clinical trial batch, before they are tested in humans. As the studies can cost Rs 10 crore, the professor said the team might not be able to take it forward unless the government funded it. The second study focused on HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, a disease for which there is no vaccine despite decades of research. The team, including researchers from other institutes, sought to pinpoint which parts of the HIV's envelope protein are targeted by neutralising antibodies a' the ones that block virus entry into cells, not flag it for other immune cells to find. "Vaccines based on these regions might induce a better immune response. To map such regions, researchers use methods like X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy though they are time-consuming, complicated and expensive," said the statement. Hence, Varadarajan and his team mutated the virus so that an amino acid called cysteine would pop up in several places on the envelope protein. They added a chemical label to stick to these cysteine molecules and treated the virus with neutralising antibodies. "In principle, researchers could adapt this methodology to any virus, including COVID-19," added the statement. The studies were published in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry" and the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences."

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Officer with Army's bike stunt team in Bengaluru injured after riding through fire tunnel

Accident

Captain Shivam Singh, a member of the Tornadoes, was riding through a 130-metre tunnel of fire in a bid to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

TNM Staff

Army's public relations team

An officer with the Army Service Corps’ Tornadoes motorcycle display team on Tuesday sustained minor injuries after he tried to set a world record and ride through a 130-metre tunnel, which was on fire. Captain Shivam Singh attempted to break the record of the longest ride through a tunnel of fire but could make it only up to 127 metres before his suit caught fire. Captain Shivam Singh was immediately rescued from the tunnel as he could not make it back through. The incident happened in Bengaluru.  He sustained minor burn injuries but the motorcycle he was riding was completely gutted in the incident. He was rushed to a private hospital, where his wounds were dressed. Soon after he was rescued, the officers on the spot used a fire hydrant to douse the flames.  Although Captain Shivam Singh did not make it through the tunnel on his motorcycle, he still set the world record for the longest fire tunnel ride.  According to officials with the ASC, the previous record was held by an African national, who had crossed a 120.4 metre tunnel in 2014.  Apart from the longest ride through a tunnel of fire, the Tornadoes set eight other world records. These include the fastest human pyramid riding one motorcycle, where 12 men on one motorcycle covered a distance of 1 km in 51.30 seconds, which was also performed by Captain Shivam Singh; fastest human pyramid riding two motorcycles, where 17 men on two motorcycles covered a distance of 1 km in 46.26 seconds; fastest human riding pyramid with 3 motorcycles, where 34 men on 3 motorcycles covered a distance of 1 km in 54.35 seconds; fastest human riding pyramid with five motorcycles, where 44 men on five motorcycles covered a distance of 1 km in 53.3 seconds.  The other records include highest moving human pyramid, where 39 men on 7 motorcycles covered a distance of 1200 metres in 1 minute 11 seconds; longest backward motorcycle ride, where Havaldar Pradeep SS covered a distance of 204.4 km; the longest leg ride, where a member of the Tornadoes covered a distance of 305.4 km by controlling the bike on his feet; and the longest knee ride, where the rider kneels on the rear seat. The Tornadoes team covered a distance of 160.7 km in a knee ride.  The Tornadoes team was set up in 1982 and it debuted with stunts for the Asian Games in Delhi. The team has performed motorcycle stunts in India and foreign countries. The ASC Tornadoes set records in the Guinness Book of World Records, Limca Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, Unique World Records and the India Book of Records with their nine stunts performed on Tuesday.   

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'My son Vijayendra will not contest from Basavakalyan': BS Yediyurappa dispels rumors

Politics

Speculation was rife that Vijayendra was lobbying for the ticket to contest Basavakalya bye-polls.

IANS

PTI/Representation Photo

Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyuirappa said on Tuesday that his son Vijayendra Yeddyurappa will not contest in any by-elections in the state instead he will continue to work for the party. With this statement, Yediyurappa firmly put an end to the series of speculations that his son and BJP vice-president, Vijayendra would take plunge into the electoral arena from Basavakalyan constituency in the days to come. It is expected that Election Commission of Indian might announce dates for bypolls to be held in Basavakalyana and Maski constituencies in Bidar and Raichur districts respectively. Basavakalyana fell vacant due to Congress legislator Narayan Rao succumbing to Covid - 19 on September 24. Maski fell vacant when Pratapgouda Patil of Congress switched over to BJP along with 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs who resigned to bring down Congress-JD(S) coalition government in 2019. Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa categorically clarified that his son, Vijyendra will not contest any elections until next Assembly elections. "He will continue to work like any other party worker in the BJP. He will campaign or he will do whatever the party wants him to do. He will contest elections only if he gets party central leaders permission in next assembly elections," he said in response to a question. He added that both elections in Maski and Basavakalyan are equally important but Vijayendra won't be contesting here. Yediyurappa's eldest son B. Y Raghavendra is Shivamogga Lok Sabha member while Vijayendra is seen as his heir apparent in the BJP and is party state unit vice president. Recently his daughter Aruna Udaykumar was appointed as Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Masabha's woman wing president. It is worth noting that many of Vijayendra's supporters were pitching for his candidature from Basavakalyan constituency. For Lingayats, Basavakalyan is is what Jerusalem is for Jews in the world. This is the place where 12th century poet-saint-social reformer Basvaeshwara founder of Lingayat religion launched his movement when he was a Prime Minister. This place became a very great social and religious movement of that time. In the 12th century, because of Basaveshwara, it became a seat of learning. Basava, Akka Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, Siddarama and several other Sharanas are associated with Basavakalyan. Basava fought against casteism and orthodoxy in Hinduism and founded Lingayat religion. He was instrumental in establishing spiritual democracy called "Anubhava Mantapa" in the 12th century in India (Anubhava Mantapa - which is also called as the "First Parliament of the World". It was led by Saint Allamprabhu, and gave practical solutions to all kinds of problems mankind was suffering at that time. His teachings are believed to be time tested, scientific and proven. Basava-Tatva is never ending inspiration to achieve the welfare of mankind.  

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With BJP’s Sira win, BY Vijayendra emerges out of his father’s shadows

Politics

Vijayendra had taken up the uphill task of leading the KR Pete campaign in 2019 and the Sira seat now, and managed to win both.

Pooja Prasanna

BJP’s win in the Sira byelection has been particularly momentous for the Chief Minister and his family. The candidate was a new entrant--Rajesh Gowda who was denied a ticket by the Congress, who then jumped ship to the BJP. The leader in-charge of the elections was Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol. But it was clear that this was a test of Yediyurappa's son, BY Vijayendra’s capabilities as a campaign strategist and he has emerged victorious, bolstering his image and chances of a larger role in the party. The BJP has never been a serious contender in Sira which has always voted either the JD(S) or Congress to power. Thus far, the BJP has not even come second in Sira. But this time, almost a month before polling, for the first time in 40 years, Sira looked like a triangular contest. The JD(S) fielded the late MLA B Sathyanarayana’s wife Ammajamma, to retain their stronghold. The Congress stuck to its old guard fielding TB Jayachandra despite his loss in the 2018 polls. The BJP fielded a doctor whose father had been a Congress strongman in the region but was denied an opportunity by the grand old party to contest the byelections. Since October 15, BJP State Vice President BY Vijayendra has been camping at Sira to lead the party’s campaign. In the December 2019 byepolls too, Vijayendra had taken up the uphill task of leading the KR Pete campaign where the party had never won. The candidate Narayana Gowda who had joined BJP from JD(S), went on to win for the first time. But many chose to dismiss this as a one-off victory for the saffron party in the region, adding that BJP still critically lacks the grassroot network. However, with Sira victory, Vijayendra has earned a reputation of being a giant slayer, taking on the mighty Gowdas in their Vokkaliga stronghold and emerging victorious. Speaking after the results were announced, Vijayendra said, “There was a perception that BJP is a party of upper castes and it cannot win in the Old Mysore region. Today's results have proved it wrong. People of all castes and communities have supported BJP. In coming days BJP will win more seats in Old Mysore region.” Sira’s caste breakup is heavily stacked against the BJP which is perceived largely as a Lingayat-supported party in Karnataka. The constituency has 60,000 Vokkaligas, over 65,000 SC and ST votes, close to 22,000 Muslim votes, and just around 5000 Lingayat votes. For the JD(S), it was a desperate battle to not just retain the Vokkaliga votes but even to be relevant in the region. The constituency saw all the political leaders, spanning three generations of the Gowda family campaign. For DK Shivakumar, it was to prove his mettle as a party president and a formidable Vokkaliga leader. BJP fought the election here on the development agenda promising the voters funds for development if the party wins. The party had managed only 16,959 votes which form a mere 9.41% in 2018.  Sira is one of the most backward constituencies in the region with severe drinking water problems as well as lack of irrigation facilities for the farmers. The BJP which is in power both in the state and Centre promised to deliver development if their candidate wins. While the Chief Minister barely campaigned in Sira, it was a very important test for him because it would not just reinforce his ability to win as a mass leader in the party but also set the tone for his son’s future. Sources in Yediyurappa’s camp told TNM that he would use the victory here to position his son as a tough campaigner who has been working to expand the party’s votebase and not just someone who uses his father’s influence as the CM to get brownie points by taking up easy targets.   Some senior leaders in the party too have started acknowledging Vijayendra’s leadership. BJP Karnataka president Nalin Kumar Kateel had praised Vijayendra by saying that he is ‘Arjuna who will win the Dharma Yudh for BJP in Sira’. While senior minister Sriramulu had publicly called Vijayendra - Chhatrapati Shivaji. Expanding BJP’s presence in the Old Mysuru region has a significant long-term impact. The region is the largest in the state with 55 seats and has been considered a Vokkaliga belt which the BJP has been the weakest at. With BJP now winning seats in districts like Mandya, Hassan and Tumakuru, it can hope to cement its place in the region.

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KSRTC to run 1000 special inter-state, intra-state buses from Bengaluru for Deepavali

Transport

The special buses will exclusively ​ply from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station.

TNM Staff

PTI/Representation Photo

​​The Karnataka State Road Transport​ ​Corporation on Tuesday said it ​will operate 1,000 ​additional ​buses during the Deepavali festival.​ The agency has also decided to operate interstate and intrastate buses to several locations from Bengaluru Between November 13 and November 16.  The special buses will exclusively ​ply from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmasthala, Kukke Subrahmanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Sringeri and Tirupati, the ​KSRTC said in a statement. ​​​Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station ​will ​exclusively ​ply towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalnagar and Madikeri. All premier special buses will be ​start from Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation Bus Station at Shantinagar​. These buses will head to Tirupati, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and other places in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. Tickets can be booked online ​and advance reservation of tickets for the special and scheduled buses of KSRTC can be booked through 706 counters within Karnataka and in other states. KSRTC officials said that after the lockdown in March, the demand for travel in buses reduced drastically due to fear of contracting the coronavirus. However, the officials said that with the festival approaching, the demand is slowly picking up.  “Of the 1,000 additional buses, seats in over 200 are already booked. These are mostly from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Bengaluru to Shivamogga, Bengaluru to Belagavi. Travel to Goa is also in demand,” a KSRTC official said. 

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Biden pledges Americans won't lose health coverage during pandemic

“They need a lifeline and they need it now,” he said.

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