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Hasire Usiru

Campaign to Reclaim Bangalore's Commons

Events : 2007 - 2009

2009
Sep 2009
View the Road Widening FAQ.
Jul 2009
Download the Detailed Project Report for the Bangalore Metro (Phase I) - Client: Govt of Karnataka, prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, assisted by RITES Ltd., published May 2003.
Workshop on July 4th, 2009: "What's Happening in Bangalore? Meeting the challenge of Protecting Lives, Livelihoods, Public spaces and Our Commons!" Read report. Download invitation.
May 2009
On May 19th, ESG and Hasiru Usiru filed a PIL opposing the current plan for constructing the metro through Lalbagh Gardens and Lakshman Rao Boulevard. (press release) Despite this, the Karnataka High Court granted permission for the above construction on May 21.
On May 7th, the Karnataka High Court directed the BMRCL to stop tree felling in Lalbagh and on R. V. Road until further orders, in response to a PIL filed by Mr. Mahavir Ranka and others. Read about the protest on May 9, and alternative metro alignments (PDF) that were proposed to the BMRCL (PDF) by members of ESG and Hasiru Usiru.
Apr 2009
Metro work and tree felling in Lalbagh and Lakshman Rao Parks: view press release, appeal, and photos of protests. Read the report and view the poster for the protest on April 26th at Lalbagh, and a Hasiru Usiru press release on April 22nd rebutting claims about the metro.
Mar 2009
On 16 March 2009, the High Court of Karnataka passed an order saying that road widening should proceed according to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act and the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act. Read ESG's press release on the same.
Feb 2009
Read the report on the Heritage Walk organised on 08 February 2009 by INTACH, in collaboration with ESG and The Avenue Road Commercial Association.
Jan 2009
Read the report of the "Cycling Inclusive Planning Workshop" held on 31st January 2009, organized by the BMLTA, EMBARQ, Interface for Cycling Expertise, City Connect and RideACycle Foundation.
On January 6th, 2009 the Lok Adalat passed an order (zip file - 464 KB) taking away the Tree Officer's power to grant permission for felling trees, ruling that tree felling in Bangalore could henceforth only occur with the Adalat's permission. It also referred ESG's PIL back to the High Court.
2008
Nov 2008
View the minutes of the Empowered Committee from July through September, 2008. Also see a collection of the correspondance between ESG and the Empowered Committee appointed by the High Court to review the BBMP's road widening schemes.
As a follow up to the Namma Raste walk on November 9th, 2008, a rally was held on November 29th 2008. (see pictures) Download the flyer for Saturday. Download a related powerpoint presentation for more information, entitled "Bangalore's traffic mess solutions." (warning: 5 MB file)
The Committee appointed by the High Court of Karnataka to review the BBMP's road widening schemes was issued an order by the Lok Adalat on November 19th to hear all pending applications of petitioners. In accordance with this, the Committee held a hearing on November 24th 2008. View press release.
A walk was held on 9th November, 2008 from Lal Bagh to Town Hall to protest uncecessary road widening. Read the newsletter on the success of November 9th's Walk to Reclaim Bengaluru, and view related press releases and articles. See pictures. Download flyer: English, Kannada. Poster 1, 2 and 3.
Oct 2008
Sign the petition to the High Court appointed Committee.
Sep 2008
Hopes Dashed as High Court Appointed Committee to review Road Widening turns people-unfriendly. Read Press Release (19th Sep 2008). View High Court Order.
July 2008
A workshop was held on July 19th, 2008 entitled "Namma Raste: Reclaiming Bangalore's roads," jointly organized by ESG, CIVIC Bangalore and the Alternative Law Forum. Read the report of the workshop, and download an open letter to take the intiative forward. (PDF file)
June 2008
The High Court of Karnataka has constituted a committee to review the road widening Schemes of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. Press Release - View Order.
May 2008
Karnataka High Court admits PIL against Road Widening Projects in Bangalore - The PIL challenges BBMP's ongoing project of widening 91 roads (a number likely to increase) in Bangalore, running into a length of about 400 kms across the length and breadth of the old city areas. Read the PIL. TV Clipping.
2007
Dec 2007
A public consultation on “Road widening schemes of Bengaluru: Impacts and Alternatives” was jointly organised by Environment Support Group (ESG), Civic and Alternative Law Forum (ALF) under the banner of Hasire Usiru. Read the report.

(Current Events)

ESG is an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes the cause of environmental and social justice through research, documentation, advocacy, training and campaign support. We aim to support the rights of local communities and voiceless ecosystems in a responsible, progressive manner that keeps contextual complexities in mind.

Email us for information on joining Hasire Usiru. More material is available on the Hasiru Usiru website.

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