Uncategorized | GREEN CIRCLE

At BMS IT &M, an autonomous Institute of Technology and Management in Yelahanka, Bangalore, it is mandatory for students to plant a tree as part of the curriculum. With heavy burden of the academic syllabus, students found it difficult to spare time for the social activities. The professors also find it difficult to motivate the students to spare time for the environmental activities. Prof Jagadeesh of Mechanical Engineering found a solution when he was returning home after a hectic day of lectures. He came across the Green Circle plantation site and contacted the team. After understanding the situation, Green Circle offered a solution to conduct a eco sensitization workshop for students. The workshop was held on 9.1.2024. About 200 students and NSS volunteers participated in the workshop. Making a presentation, V.Selvarajan, Chairman, Green Circle highlighted the need to strike a balance between studies and social work. Discussing the simple ways of doing environmental activities, he requested the students to spare minimum hours in a month to involve in planting and nurturing trees. Other activities like plogging drives, nature walks, camping, birding and trekking activities were also explained. Earlier Prof Jagadeesh welcomed the gathering and emphasized the need for sparing sometime for environmental protection. Green Circle members, Vasantha Kumar, Rashmi Kulkarni and Kumar Kalyandurg also attended the workshop and interacted with students. Vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Tejaswini. Professors Praveen Kumar, Rajesh Gopinath and Praveen Kumar also participated in the workshop and guided the students.

Green Circle appeals for better Security arrangements at the lake!

A delegation visited the office of the PDO Singanayakkanhalli on 16.12.23 to discuss with the officials about the status of the Avalahalli lake, Yelahanka Bangalore. The following were discussed

Damage to fence on the roadside: During the heavy downpour on 6^th Nov 2023, the pillars supporting the fence on the road side have fallen (for about 250 feet) and the fence is damaged exposing the lake area open to cattle for more than 45 days. In this regard, our complaints raised in Sahaya App and Janaspandana App remain pending. No action has been initiated. This is in addition to the unfinished fence on the southern side, adjacent to MSR North East County. Your goodselves will agree that half-finished/ damaged fence is as good as ‘No fence’

Dumping in buffer area: Construction waste/soil is being dumped along side the walking track, which is now very huge and is posing an eye sore for the walkers. This needs to be investigated and corrective measures taken

Plastic Trash near benches: Near the benches alongside the walking track, liquor bottles and plastic trash are lying which needs cleaning. This is because there is no control or check on liquor users who invade the park stealthily during night times

Unauthorised fishing: This was brought to your knowledge earlier also. For many people, involved in unauthorised fishing, it is just a fun activity. But this is a biodegradation as the quality of ecosystem depends on the existing food chain which attracts even the migratory birds. The eBird checklist of birds spotted in the lake last month is enclosed for your perusal. Fishing activity needs to be stopped immediately

Scooters in walking track: We are finding a number of scooters parked on the walking track. The gate is open on the northern side during evening times. Many scooterists enter into the park area. We need wicket gates or barriers to prevent scooters to enter the lake during this time.

Insufficient security: While we thank the BBMP and Panchayat officials for stationing on security staff during day time from 9 AM to 4 PM, to curb trespassing, it is not good that the lake remains accessible during evening and early mornings. In all other lakes, the gates remain closed during late hours. Keeping gates open encourages unauthorised users who enter for using the park for illegal activities like fishing, liquor consumption and other prohibited illegal activities.