environment | GREEN CIRCLE

Green Circle, Bangalore is an environmental organisation working for nature conservation. It organised a Nature Creativity contest. The event was in association with Rotary Club of Bangalore Oasis, People’s trust, and BMS School of Architecture on 10.2.2024. The contest was attended by 250 children staring from 5 years to 21 years. The students were divided into three categories. Those up to 8 years made sketches on nature topics. Students between 9 and 14 years reused old cloths and fabrics. Senior students between 15 and 21 were doing waste to best models using the hidden talents of arts and crafts. The program was attended by about 300 people consisting of parents, college students, lecturers and school children. Welcoming the gathering, Dr. V Selvarajan Chairman of Green Circle said that children from 20 schools have participated in the contest besides 25 apartments. Dr Shaila. Bantanur, Director of the BMS School of Architecture was the Chief Guest of the Prize distribution ceremony. Distributing the awards and certificates, she lauded the efforts of Green Circle in imparting environmental awareness. She also announced that the School of Architecture has signed an MOU with Green Circle for undertaking joint programs in the BMS School of Architecture. She added that the students will be conducting environmental activities like plogging and tree planting activities besides nature trails. First prize was bagged by Sai Sashanth G(Sai Shankar Vidya Shala), Bhoomi B(Shiksha Sagar), Sharadha Vishwa Karma (Informatics National Public School) while the second place had gone to Ritvi Rahul C (Ryan International School), Saira (Airforce school), Thanmayi N Gowda(Vishwa Vidyapeeth) and the third prize has gone to Aarush Nambiar (Patel public school), Aadhya Avinash (Vibgyor school), Mourya (Informatics National Public School) in Group I, II and II respectively. Artists Prasad Natarajan, KA Srinivas and Anand were the Jurors. Harish Uthaiah, Director of People’s Trust felicitated the children for demonstrating their skills in creative works. Rtn. Paramaguru from Rotary club of Bangalore Oasis proposed the vote of thanks. Vasanthakumar, Kumar Kalyandurg, Namrata Seetharaman, Rtn Sriram and Supritha of BMS made the arrangements.

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.