Kannada quiz show ‘Thatt Antha Heli’ marks 5,000 episodes with a celebration

The landmark episode was filmed live in front of an audience, aiming for a Guinness World Record.

Popular Kannada quiz show Thatt Antha Heli celebrated its 5,000th episode with an event at the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore’s GKVK campus on Saturday (October 11, 2025).

Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre lauded the show, calling it a fusion of knowledge and memory that sharpens intellect and emotion. Airing on DD Chandana for over 23 years, the show has posed over 75,000 questions to more than 15,000 participants, becoming a beacon of infotainment.

The 5,000th episode was filmed live in front of an audience, aiming for a Guinness World Record. Noted personalities such as Dr. Na. Someshwar, Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah, participated on the occasion.

Mr. Khandre praised the show’s role in public awareness on nature and wildlife, calling it a “treasure trove of knowledge.” The landmark episode will be telecast on Monday (October 13, 2025).

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru: 1971 war hero Garodi Thimappa Alva passes away at 85

Garodi Thimappa Alva, a veteran who served in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, passed away at his residence in Lohith Nagar, Mangaluru, on October 16 evening. He was 85.

Family members have informed that his mortal remains will be donated to K S Hegde Hospital, Derlakatte.

Recently, Alva’s war memoir titled Garodi Maneyinda Sena Garadige (From Garodi House to the Army Camp) was published, narrating his remarkable life journey.

Born into an agrarian family in Tulunadu, Alva joined the Indian Army as a young man and participated in the 1971 war. During a mission in a helicopter to a war camp, his aircraft came under attack from Pakistani forces near Chittagong. He miraculously survived after crash-landing in the forest and battling against all odds — an experience he later chronicled in his book.

The 1971 Indo-Pak war was a defining moment in Indian history, marking a resounding victory for the nation. Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with the strategic brilliance of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and the courage of thousands of soldiers, India emerged as a global symbol of democracy and military resolve.

Garodi Thimappa Alva, who had also participated in all three wars India fought against Pakistan, was among those who brought pride to the nation through his service and sacrifice.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Centenary of ‘Nada Geethe’ to be the highlight of Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations in Mysuru

The highlight of this year’s Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Mysuru on November 1 will be a tableau commemorating the centenary of ‘Nada Geethe’ (State anthem).

Among the tableaux planned for the grand celebration here, one will depict the State anthem, while others will showcase the glory and heritage of the Kannada language and culture.

During a recent preparatory meeting for the Rajyotsava celebrations at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shivaraj directed that all government employees must compulsorily participate in the event and added that their attendance will be recorded. “The celebrations will be meaningful and held in a grand manner,” he said.

The district-level Rajyotsava celebration will be held at the Oval Grounds at 9 a.m., where Minister in charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa is scheduled participate.

Prior to the stage event, a puja will be offered to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari at the Mysuru Palace premises at 8 a.m. Dr. Mahadevappa will later flag off the Rajyotsava procession. The procession will begin from the Oval Grounds, pass through K.R. Circle, and return to the venue. Cultural troupes, police bands, and tableaux representing various themes will participate.

The Mysuru City Corporation will handle necessary arrangements, while the Department of Kannada and Culture will provide cultural troupes for the procession.

On the occasion, students who secured the highest marks in Kannada in the SSLC and PUC examinations in the previous academic year will be felicitated. Eminent achievers from various fields in the district will also be felicitated, Mr. Shivaraj added.

Community leaders and members of various organisations who spoke on the occasion urged star hotels and malls to prominently display name boards in Kannada and cinema theatres to screen more Kannada films. They demanded that at least 60% of all shop and mall signboards should be in Kannada and suggested that the city corporation ensure this condition while granting trade licenses and approvals.

Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture M.D. Sudarshan, officials from various departments, and leaders of Kannada organisations attended the meeting.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

With 26,054 buses in State including 7,067 in city, Bengaluru and Karnataka lead in India’s public transport

While the national average stands at 1.2 buses per 1,000 people, Karnataka provides 3.81 buses per 1,000 people, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

With a fleet of 7,067 buses, Bengaluru has the largest number of public sector buses among Indian cities, followed by Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Karnataka leads at the State-level, operating 26,054 buses, which translates to 3.81 buses per 1,000 people. This puts it ahead of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

As many as 18,987 buses operate in the State excluding 7,067 buses operating in Bengaluru.

The Minister made these remarks amid ongoing calls from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, former Infosys CFO T.V. Mohandas Pai, and Yulu co-founder R.K. Misra, who have all suggested that the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) should be privatised.

Mr. Reddy firmly rejected these suggestions, describing them as “commercially motivated” and contrary to public interest. “Karnataka and Bengaluru lead the country in the number of buses, passenger ridership, and service quality. Those advocating privatisation have vested interests and are not thinking about the welfare of commuters,” he said.

3.81 buses per 1,000 people

According to Mr. Reddy, in Bengaluru, BMTC operates 7,067 buses, including 1,799 electric buses, catering to nearly 48 lakh passengers every day, the highest ridership for any city-run public transport system in India. “Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation follows with 3,651 buses (230 electric), ferrying around 34 lakh passengers daily. Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operates 3,794 buses, including 1,121 electric and 2,340 leased vehicles, carrying about 25 lakh commuters daily. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs 3,222 buses (2,526 electric) serving 24 lakh passengers each day. In contrast, Kolkata has a fleet of only 750 buses catering to about six lakh passengers,” he said.

“This data itself shows how effectively BMTC serves the people of Bengaluru. Now some people want to privatise this system so that private organisations can make profits. The government’s focus is on service, not on profit,” Mr Reddy added.

The Minister also highlighted Karnataka’s dominance in public transport across India. “While the national average stands at 1.2 buses per 1,000 people, Karnataka provides 3.81 buses per 1,000 people. This clearly reflects our commitment to public mobility,” he said.

The State operates 26,054 buses through its four corporations, namely Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Comparing figures from other States, Mr. Reddy said Tamil Nadu has 20,912 buses (2.70 per 1,000 people), Maharashtra 16,900 (1.32), Uttar Pradesh 13,031 (0.54), and Andhra Pradesh 11,111 (2.07). “In every parameter, the number of buses, passengers carried, and service reliability Karnataka stands first,” he asserted.

Feasible options

Recalling past efforts to improve city roads, the Minister said that during the tenure of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, road widening projects were taken up to reduce traffic congestion. “Those road widening projects helped ease traffic. Unfortunately, later governments did not continue them. Now, with limited funds and high land compensation costs, road widening has become difficult,” Mr. Reddy explained, adding, “Given the present situation, the only feasible options are tunnel roads and flyovers.”

Citing Andhra Pradesh as an example, he said that years ago when Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had implemented extensive road expansion projects which subsequent governments continued, traffic was managed effectively. “In Karnataka, lack of continuity in such projects by the next governments has worsened congestion,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Puttur-born scientist Dr Prashanth W Menezes awarded prestigious VAIBHAV Fellowship by Govt of India

In a proud moment for the Dakshina Kannada and Puttur, Prof Prashanth W Menezes, an eminent materials chemist and head of the department of materials chemistry for catalysis at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), has been awarded the prestigious Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship 2025.

The fellowship is a flagship programme of the ministry of science and technology, Government of India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen engagement between the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora and leading research institutions in India.

Prashanth is the only scientist chosen in the field of materials and processing technologies for the 2025 cycle — a testament to his pioneering contributions in catalysis and materials science.

A visionary initiative by Prime Minister Modi

The VAIBHAV Fellowship was conceived as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to build stronger scientific and technological linkages between India and its global diaspora. The initiative builds on the success of the VAIBHAV Summit, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, which brought together over 25,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including leading Indian-origin researchers from across the world.

Through the fellowship, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) seeks to facilitate collaborative, high-impact research projects that can accelerate India’s progress in strategic scientific areas and promote global knowledge exchange.

A global leader in catalysis and energy materials

Prashanth, who hails from Puttur, Karnataka, has established himself as one of the foremost scientists in materials chemistry and catalysis. His work focuses on developing catalysts for green hydrogen production and sustainable chemical synthesis, aiming to drive the next generation of clean energy technologies.

Ranked among the top 1% scientists worldwide, Prashanth has published over 200 high impact research papers, including books and patents, and has received numerous international and national awards for his contributions to sustainable energy and materials research.

Previously featured by Daijiworld and recognized in a Stanford University global study of top scientists, Prashanth has been acclaimed for his pioneering research in material discovery, electrocatalysis and redox transformative reactions.

Collaborating with JNCASR on green hydrogen technology

Under the VAIBHAV Fellowship, Prashanth will collaborate with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru. His project will focus on developing intermetallic electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production coupled with electrochemical synthesis of value-added organic compounds. This research represents a significant step toward sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable clean energy solutions, combining hydrogen generation with green chemical processes. The collaboration is expected to bolster India’s growing leadership in renewable energy technologies.

Commitment to sustainable and inclusive science

Speaking about his selection, Prashanth said:

“The VAIBHAV Fellowship is an inspiring platform that reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision to unite India’s global scientific community. By combining international expertise with India’s research strengths, we can accelerate progress toward clean energy and sustainability — not only for India but for the world.”

About Prashanth W Menezes

Prashanth completed his early education in Karnataka before embarking on an international research career across leading European institutions. He is an alumnus of Mai de Deus Primary School, St Philomena’s High School and College, Puttur and Mangalore University. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, he heads the Department of Materials Chemistry for Catalysis, where his team investigates advanced catalytic systems for energy conversion and storage. His career is marked by innovation, mentorship, and collaboration — contributing significantly to the global movement toward green chemistry and renewable energy.

Prashanth is the son of the late Fredrick and Cecelia Menezes from Puttur. He is married to Dr Ramona Pais, and is the brother of Prof Pradeep Menezes (University of Nevada, Reno, USA) and Dr Pramod Menezes. He is also the son-in-law of and Robin and Meena Pais.

A proud moment for India and Puttur

Prashanth’s recognition under the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 brings pride to his hometown of Puttur and highlights India’s growing engagement with its global scientific diaspora. His work exemplifies the spirit of “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global innovation hub driven by sustainable technologies and international collaboration.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru becomes first Indian city to get live traffic signal timings on Mappls app

An innovative traffic signal countdown feature has been launched in Bengaluru’s Mappls app, aiming for a broader rollout later.

In a first-of-its-kind innovation in India, Bengaluru has introduced live traffic signal countdowns on the Mappls app, offering commuters real-time updates on signal timings directly within the navigation interface. The feature, now live in the city, is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and driver decision-making.

The initiative is a result of collaboration between the Bengaluru City Traffic Police, Arcadis India, and the tech teams at Mappls (powered by MapmyIndia). As users approach a traffic signal, the app now mirrors the live countdown of the traffic light, showing exactly how many seconds remain until the signal changes.

“Can you see the live traffic signal timings showing up on Mappls app? As the real traffic signal counts down, you see the same on the map inside Mappls app. Magical, and helpful :)” Rohan Verma, the director of MapmyIndia posted on X.

“Live in Bangalore now thanks to @blrcitytraffic n Arcadis India, and the work done by team @mappls @MapmyIndia. This is an India first btw! These and so many more innovations make Mappls, India’s own swadeshi maps & navigation app, much better for all Indians,” he added.

His post gained more than 265K views on X, and several replies. Bengaluru, often plagued by traffic snarls, is the pilot city for this feature. If successful, it could be rolled out across other metro cities in the coming months.

“What would be the use. Genuine question,” a user asked, to which Verma replied, “When you are 500 metres away for eg you will know how much time is left for the traffic light to turn red/green. Such knowledge can be magical, helpful and invaluable in so many urgent scenarios you may be in, besides in daily driving. And the power of Mappls MapmyIndia platform to be IoT connected with transport and government infrastructure – you can imagine what all other alerts from further up ahead can be given to you, all these making traffic flow smoother.”

“Wow ! I believe this feature is not even available in google,” another stated.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

WHO revises TB treatment guidelines after breakthrough study by Mangaluru doctor couple

 A landmark study by Mangaluru-based doctor couple Dr Anurag and Dr Madhavi Bhargava has led the World Health Organisation (WHO) to revise its global tuberculosis (TB) treatment guidelines, placing greater emphasis on food and nutritional support for patients and their families.

The couple, affiliated with Kasturba Medical College and Yenepoya Medical College respectively, conducted a groundbreaking trial funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Published two years ago, their findings showed that providing nutritional support to household contacts of TB patients reduced new TB infections by nearly half, while improving food and nutrition among patients themselves significantly increased survival rates.

Earlier this week, WHO incorporated these insights into its consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis and undernutrition. Among the key additions is the “provision of food assistance to prevent TB in household contacts of people with TB in food insecure settings.”

WHO noted that the recommendation was informed by results from the Reducing Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial, led by the Bhargavas in collaboration with other researchers.

The trial demonstrated that a monthly food basket—containing 5 kg of rice, 1.5 kg of lentils per adult, and multivitamin tablets—could reduce new pulmonary TB cases among family members by 48 percent. Conducted across four districts in Jharkhand, the study covered around 2,800 patients and more than 10,000 of their household contacts.

“The risk of TB in family members is higher due to the shared environment of poverty and food insecurity. A family-based approach can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the overall TB burden,” said Dr Madhavi Bhargava as quoted by Deccan Herald.

Following the trial’s success, several states, including Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh, have begun distributing food baskets to TB-affected families. The Union government has also increased its nutritional support for patients to ensure better access to wholesome food.

India continues to bear the world’s highest TB burden, with over 28 lakh new cases and more than 3.2 lakh deaths in 2023—equating to 37 deaths every hour, according to official data. Karnataka alone records nearly 5,000 TB deaths annually.

“Malnutrition remains the leading risk factor for TB in India. Strengthening nutrition across the population could be a game changer in ending TB,” said Dr Anurag Bhargava.

Their research also revealed that better food availability could reduce TB-related mortality by 35 percent and that patients who gained weight in the first two months of nutritional intervention had a 60 percent lower risk of death.

Subsequent modelling suggested that providing food baskets to even half the TB-affected households in India between 2023 and 2035 could prevent about 4 lakh deaths and 9 lakh new TB cases.

“This was a field-based study, not limited to hospital settings. It is heartening that within just two years, its evidence has influenced WHO guidelines and found a place in medical textbooks,” said Dr Anurag.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Set Sail – The Asian Inclusive Sailing Series (AISS) 2025, a milestone in Indian sailing

The Asian Inclusive Sailing Series (AISS) 2025 has officially set sail on the serene backwaters of Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya District, marking a historic moment for Indian sailing.

Hosted by the Royal Mysore Sailing Club (RMSC) and the Karnataka State Sailing Association (KSSA) under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI), this landmark regatta is India’s first-ever inclusive sailing event endorsed by World Sailing, the international governing body of the sport.

The event, which runs from Oct. 8 to 13, has drawn 75 participants from 11 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Oman, India and France, making it a truly international celebration of inclusivity, skill and resilience. The AISS highlights India’s growing commitment to inclusive sports, uniting sailors with disabilities from across Asia and beyond.

Participants are competing in multiple categories — Hansa 2.3 One-Person (male/female), Hansa 303 One-Person (male/female), and Hansa 303 Two-Person — with races scheduled till Oct. 13.

Mysuru’s pleasant October weather, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C and wind speeds of 9-14 km/hour, is providing ideal conditions for fair and exciting competition.

Prize distribution will be held on Oct. 13 marking the culmination of a week dedicated to teamwork and accessibility.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

‘Karnataka’s ecosystem was not built overnight… we are hungrier than any neighbouring State’

When ORR hits the headlines, more often than not, it is for the wrong reasons. Companies along the 17-km tech corridor, which contributes the largest share to the State’s IT revenue, have been complaining for long about the pothole-ridden roads and peak-hour traffic congestion.

When Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications in Andhra Pradesh, invited companies in Bengaluru to move to his State, the invite was met with sharp response from his counterpart in Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, and resulted in a volley of exchanges. The Hindu caught up with Mr. Kharge, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, on the issue.

Excerpts from the interview:

 Tech companies on ORR have been complaining about infrastructure issues for a long time. Many now seem to be looking for alternative locations. How do you view this?

 I think it’s a problem of any city growing rapidly, and not limited to Bengaluru.  

The pace at which Bengaluru is growing is immense. Last year, the Union government projected our growth between 8.3% and 8.7%, but we grew at 10.3%. Savills Growth Hubs Index reports that we will be outpacing our global peers in urbanisation, economic growth, and innovation by 2033. We are tipped to grow at a whopping 8.5% till 2035.  

We are the ones creating the jobs. More than 40% of the population of Bengaluru are migrants. We have the highest registrations of two-wheelers in India – nearly 2.3 crore. 

Infrastructure policies play catch-up to such rapid growth. We are doing all we can to ensure that Bengaluru has a great infrastructure and the right ecosystem for people to thrive in the shortest possible time. That is why we have given ₹7,000 crore to uplift Bengaluru’s infrastructure, especially with respect to mobility. Our focus is heavily on building faster public transportation through metro. We have added e-buses and are improving the last-mile connectivity. It is a challenge, but it is also a constant work in progress. And I think it’s a good problem to have because that shows the potential of Bengaluru. 

 But is there a risk of flight of capital and attempts by younger, hungrier States to woo the industry here?

 It’s not easy. A post on Facebook or X doesn’t mean investment is going out or the talent pool is shifting base. We already have the infrastructure and we are improving on it. Younger States, or the hungrier ones, as you call them, need to build up the infrastructure. 

Take the case of any neighbouring State. While some have the infrastructure and are improving it, trying to build the ecosystem that we have nurtured is impossible. It has taken us 30 years.  

From being the IT-enabled services ecosystem, we are now one of the leading innovation ecosystems in the world. We are the fourth largest technology cluster and number eight in the world regarding start-up ecosystem. Out of 110 unicorns, more than 47 are from Karnataka. We contribute 21% of the national bio economy and 65% of aerospace defence. We are top in global capability centres with over 900 centres and units. More than 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters here.

Around 40% of the engineering and R&D talent pool of the entire nation is from Karnataka. We have a count of people-friendly and investor-friendly policies. We have the first-mover advantage. So, while younger States are free to do all they want, we are hungrier than them. 

We enjoy the leadership position, but our appetite is huge. There’s no resting. I don’t want to be a national player when we have the potential to be a global player.

 Are you saying infrastructural issues cannot result in flight of capital?

 I’m duty-bound to give good infrastructure to my people as a government. I think 75.5% of the youth in Bengaluru are of working age. So, you can imagine the expectations of the people. We are duty-bound to meet those expectations, and we will do it. 

 What are the specific initiatives that the department is looking at?

 People are free to express their opinions online. While that’s a good opportunity for the government to pull up its socks, it does not mean that people are moving out of the city. Weatherwise or otherwise, we are any day better than any city. 

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has taken this up on himself. He is giving priority to the mobility infrastructure and is looking at solutions even from the private sector to build a sustainable city. Areas that are paying high taxes and generating employment will be considered as brownfields and such areas will have all the civic amenities.  

He’s also mulling over forming a small task force that will be engaging with people, associations and tech parks.

 Is congestion tax something that the government is looking at?

 I don’t think so. I don’t think that will be the solution. While cities like London may have it, we need to acknowledge that every city is different.  

 There were reports suggesting that the ban on bike taxis added to the congestion. Will the ban be reviewed? 

 The government is extremely serious about the gig economy and we have passed the The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers Bill. With respect to the bike taxis also, it’s just a matter of time before we get it sorted out since it’s in court currently. The Transport Department is looking at it, and it’s a matter of time before we form a policy for that.

 Companies in ORR now seem to be moving or expanding to other parts of the city such as Devanahalli.

 Beyond Bengaluru is a policy of the government. It is not just Devanahalli, but people are moving to Mangaluru, Mysuru… 

Mangaluru exports close to ₹ 3,500 crore. Hubballi and Belagavi are exporting close to ₹3,000 crore. Mysuru is exporting ₹3,500 crore in 90 services. I’ve had requests from software companies telling me to build grade-A buildings in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Dharwad. We are coming up with common instrumentation facilities in Kalaburagi and Belagavi. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we build clusters across the State. 

 Would that also mean Bengaluru is saturated?

 Absolutely not. We have extended Bengaluru South till Ramanagara. Bengaluru goes all the way till Vasanthanarasapura in Tumakuru where the Japanese are building products and building solutions for the global clients. So, no, Bengaluru is not saturated, and we have the appetite.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IISc, IIT-M join forces with GBA for World Bank-funded water security and resilience project

A GBA source involved in the project says the civic authority aims not only to mitigate flooding caused by poor stormwater drain infrastructure but also to improve overall water security in the city.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has roped in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) to drive the progress of its ambitious World Bank-funded Bengaluru Water Resilience Project.

The project will receive over ₹3,500 crore in funding from the World Bank, with key stakeholders including the GBA, BWSSB, Minor Irrigation, and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). The project is expected to be modelled on IISc’s Urban Flood model for Bengaluru, with crucial modifications to align with GBA’s objectives. This development follows discussions between GBA officials and World Bank representatives.

World Bank’s technical assistance

M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of GBA, stated that the initial meeting with World Bank officials was fruitful and that the water resilience project will soon move into the implementation phase. “Not just this, but the World Bank has offered technical assistance for GBA projects, which are currently under discussion and will be explored,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu.

In addition to IISc and IIT-M, the project will involve the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Bengaluru-based WELL Labs, and think tank CSTEP. Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (Revenue), GBA, confirmed that the two private agencies will contribute their services under a non-financial memorandum.

Improving water security

A GBA source involved in the project explained that the civic authority aims not only to mitigate flooding caused by poor stormwater drain infrastructure but also to improve overall water security in the city. This includes rainwater storage and harvesting, watershed development, and addressing long-term challenges such as floods, droughts, and other climate-related risks.

For example, the project will strengthen stormwater drains (SWDs), prevent the concretisation of drains and lakes to raise underground water levels, identify natural solutions for flood-prone areas, and establish maintenance plans for SWDs during summer months.

“IISc will update its model and make necessary adjustments to meet project objectives. The model requires advanced technology for processing and visualisation, and IIT-M will provide support in this area,” the source said.

WELL Labs and CSTEP

WELL Labs and CSTEP will contribute value addition by proposing strategies and ideas to enhance the project’s design and implementation, tailored to Bengaluru’s specific needs. The KSNDMC will provide proactive and innovative science and technology inputs, as well as capacity-building support. IIT-M will offer necessary staff training to ensure successful project execution.

The implementation of the project will be managed by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd. (BSMILE), a special-purpose vehicle established for mega projects.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)