Saturday, December 24, 2011
PNLIT in today's Business Standard!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Hands-on morning for school children at Puttenahalli Lake
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Innovative cleansing of the lake
In the newspapers yesterday (10th Dec 2011), you may have read about BBMP-PNLIT collaborating with a private firm Enzen Water Solutions to clean the water in the lake using a Nano-Nutrient Solution (NNS).
Since it involved using chemicals, a trial run was done in a cement tank in the coconut grove, taking 15,000 litres of water from the dirtiest part of the lake into the tank. A week after treating the water, Enzen introduced 3 kg of Tilepia fish (22 numbers). Not only did the fish thrive but the water itself steadily gained clarity.
Before filling tank
Treating water with NNS
Water samples on Day 1
Water sample after 3 weeks
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Bird Watch Update - Coppersmith Barbet
Friday, December 9, 2011
Bird Watch Update - Lesser Whistling Ducks
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Grabbing opportunities
Citizen Matters Puttenahalli Post
MAHINDRA SPARK THE RISE
Grabbing opportunities: help us with your vote!
PNLIT , 08 Dec 2011
One doesn't always get an opportunity to do something extraordinary. When you do, you've got to grab it! This is what we did when we saw the Puttenahalli Lake dying. We campaigned and lobbied for the BBMP to rejuvenate the lake. This is what PNLIT did when we saw the Mahindra Spark the Rise announcement inviting projects ("Sparks") for a competitive funding. We submitted "PNLIT - Nurturing Puttenahalli Lake back to its pristine glory" as a template for reviving lakes with active public participation. Click here to vote.
The many activities and events we conduct, such as the Children's Day Nature Walk, are done to enthuse residents in the locality to take care of the lake, to make them feel proud of "their" lake. However, it is a slow, tedious process since our lifestyle is increasingly distancing us and our children from Nature. Environment is something that we take for granted, not something to be nurtured. Freebies like the monsoon and the twitter of birds are often cursed and not appreciated.
We meet the lake maintenance expenses from donations. We often get donors to plant trees. There is not only a monetary value attached to the Sampige or the Neem but also the priceless sentiment that the sapling has been planted by them and their families. They come around to see the tree growing tall and pluck the stray weed growing at its base. Such donations, however, are not really enough for us to transform the lake into the avian habitat that we want it to become.
Mahindra Spark the Rise seemed a very good way to improve the visibility of our efforts and an opportunity for much needed funding. The competition works like this:
- Each month, Sparks are invited in five different categories, and after screening, put up for public voting.
- Each month, 8 Sparks will receive grants of 4 lakh each. Five of these monthly winners will be selected by public vote. Of these, the 2 most-voted will be eligible to participate in the Grand Finale. The remaining three monthly winners will be selected by an expert jury.
- In the Grand Finale, 18 Sparks will compete. The winner will receive Rs. 40 lakh and three runners-up Rs. 20 lakh each.
Our Spark is open for voting through December (called Round 4). Emerging as the grand winner will be a dream come true. It will end our constant search for funds. It will erase the deep rooted concern that the birds which have now begun to flock, nest and roost in our lake may be left to fend for themselves for want of appropriate support.
The public now has a chance to make a difference in this community project. Every vote counts. Please vote for Puttenahalli Lake to enter the Grand Finale. And pass on the link to get others to vote too.
How to vote:
1. Go to www.sparktherise.com
2. Click on popular entries
3. Look for PNLIT. Click on it. Click on 'Vote'.
4. It will ask you to Signup or Login.
5. Click Login to go through Facebook or click Signup to go through email.
6. To Signup, put your name, email and password that you want to signup with. A confirmation mail will go to your email account. You need to click on the link in the email to activate your registration.
7. After activation, you do the same thing to vote.
Don't think that your one vote won't make a difference, because it will!
URL for this article
http://citizenmatters.in/articles/view/3634-Grabbing-opportunities:-h...
Copyright © 2007-08 Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd., All Rights Reserved
Saturday, December 3, 2011
The Yediyur episode and related things
BBMP pushing lakes for entertainment (www.citizenmatters.in)
Extract of the article
In Puttenahalli, residents have managed to stop BBMP's plan to build a bridge over the Puttenahalli lake. Residents here have been working with the BBMP for around two years to revive the lake and have formed PNLIT (Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust) for this. Local Corporator L Ramesh had mooted the idea of building a bridge
from the walkway of the lake to the island in the middle of the lake. "It would be nice to let people go into the island and get a good view of the lake," says L Ramesh.
PNLIT member Usha Rajagopalan says that the project would drive away birds. "There are about 45 bird species, local and migrant, that are visiting the island and areas around the lake. Presence of people will drive them away and also cause the lake to be littered," she says. Usha says that PNLIT's plan itself was to develop the lake as a bird sanctuary, and that trees were planted in the island for this. "The issue is of BBMP looking at lake development from the perspective of entertainment to public. BBMP does not consider the eco-perspective," she says.
L Ramesh says that the project has been dropped due to residents' protest and also since there are not enough funds allocated in the budget for the lake. "BBMP has only Rs 25 lakh funding for the lake this year, which we will use for installing lights around it. The bridge project has been completely dropped," he says.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Spark the Rise - Vote for Puttenahalli Lake
A rare sight, about our new visitor
Today he managed to capture the rare sight of the purple heron eating another bird. The first picture shows the heron gulping down the unfortunate coot and the second shows the heron with a large bulge in its throat, as it struggles to ingest the prey.
I was fortunate (or unfortunate!) to see this happen about a month ago but was so awed by the sight that neither I nor the members of the Bird Watchers Field Club even thought of taking a photograph!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
On Nature and the Walk
Art work by children at the Nature Walk
Best
Usha
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Bird Watch update - 40 avian species spotted!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
White-naped woodpecker at Puttenahalli lake
Friday, November 4, 2011
Lake in the rains
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Public spaces or political spaces?
The Peepal Tree chopped down at Puttenahalli Lake
PNLIT's helpless gardener flanked by tree cutters
Inconsolable gardener
Doctoring in the hope it will sprout once more
Peepal tree planting at the viewing deck 16 Sept. 2010
Mr. Bhoja Shetty and the author beside the peepal tree 17 Oct 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Visitors to the Puttenahalli Lake
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Weekend volunteers, Bird watch update
- Clear the space around the base of each tree, turn the soil over but remember to keep the trough shallow around it.
- Remove weeds growing in the walking track drains
- Direct water flow from these drains to the nearest tree
- Some of the bougainvillea are growing wild. Tie them with gunny ropes so that they spread over the fence. The gardeners have the rope.
- Check that the trees have not bent or branches broken in the rains. Bent trees must be staked and broken, limp branches cut off cleanly with a knife.
- The viewing deck needs some deweeding.
- Our volunteers have planted Portulaca and lilies near the benches on the coconut grove. A few are flowering though most of them are still tiny and can be mistaken for weeds.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Bird watch update
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Joy of Giving Week 2011
A citizens' initiative, the PNLIT has been working with the Bangalore municipality (BBMP), to rejuvenate and preserve Puttenahalli Lake in South Bangalore. A couple of years ago, the lake was almost lost to 'development' but it is now a "saved" lake of Bangalore that is teeming with fish and attracting birds. Indeed, the Puttenahalli Lake is an example of what we, the people can achieve with governmental support.
In May 2011, PNLIT became the first citizens' group to be given charge of maintaining a lake. BBMP does not provide any financial support for lake maintenance, so PNLIT meets the lake maintenance expenses from donations made by individuals and other well-wishers. These expenses which include buying saplings, paying salaries of the gardeners, sweeper and other labourers, maintenance equipment, etc., amounts to about Rs. 6 lakhs annually. For PNLIT, this is a labour of love. Our administrative costs are negligible.
Why is Puttenahalli Lake so important that you should support it?
- Because it raises the water table in the area and keeps the wells/ bore wells full.
- Because it prevents flooding during the monsoon.
- Because the trees are a precious green cover to keep the temperature down.
- Because birds and butterflies flock to the lake and have made it their home.
- Because children and adults can see the best of nature in the heart of human habitation.
- AND because without the lake, its entire area of 13 acres 25 guntas will most likely become a concrete jungle.
This Joy of Giving week please support PNLIT. We will make your money go a long way and ensure that the Puttenahalli Lake rejuvenation effort is sustained.
Your donations are exempt u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Cheques in favour of "Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust" can be mailed to the registered office B2, 503, South City, Arekere Mico Layout, Bangalore 560076. Direct transfer to State Bank of India, RBI Layout, Bangalore SB a/c no 31209228099 (for transfer within India - ISSC code SBIN 0004408)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Bird watching at Puttenahalli Lake
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
PNLIT walking the anti-corruption talk
- Trust registration at the sub-registrar's office.
- Income tax 12AA exemption.
- Income tax 80G exemption for donors.
- MOU with BBMP.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Beautiful birds of Puttenahalli Lake
September 3, 2011
According to Dr S. Subramanya, an authority on lakes, nearly 110 species of birds fully or partially dependent on water have been recorded utilizing the lakes/ tanks in Bangalore. This diversity of birds belongs to 6 avian orders and 25 bird families.
At Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar, we have positively identified about 15 species on this list. To see a full list of the birds of Bangalore Lakes and the birds that have been identified at Puttenahalli, check here.
There are a few spotted, some photographed, but yet to be identified.
We are yet to spot any of the migratory birds (expected in Blr end Sept-April). We really hope we are lucky enough to see them at our lake.
We are very happy to share the photos of beautiful birds taken by a well-wisher and photography enthusiast Mr Sujesh S. in August. Here is his picasa web album.
Happy viewing!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Citizens get new traffic signal approved
Puttenahalli Post
http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/blogs/24-puttenahalli-post
Saturday, July 9, 2011
De-weeding by volunteers
Thursday, June 23, 2011
80G Exemption for PNLIT
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Puttenahalli Government School Prize Distribution June 2011
PNLIT, along with the staff of Puttenahalli Government School, organised a function to honour the children for academic achievement during 2010-11. Three children from each standard (Std 1 to Std 9 of 2010-11), received a 'goody bag' and a certificate from PNLIT, with the class toppers getting school bags, among other things. Other prizes included notebooks of different kinds, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pencil boxes, exam boards, lunch boxes, water bottles, games, books and other items. The best all-round performer received a wrist watch.
All the prizes (worth approximately Rs 35,000/-) were donated and sorted by residents of L&T South City and Brigade Millennium. Our appeal for contributions was so immense that we had enough to give each of the 850-odd children something noteworthy - at least a notebook, pencil and eraser. Some of the contributions are being given to the school for classroom interaction/ infrastructure and library use.
On behalf of Puttenahalli Government School and PNLIT, sincere thanks to all the donors for their generous contributions.
The smiles on the faces of the children said it all... THANK YOU for making it a memorable day!
See the pictures here.
Purple Heron at Puttenahalli Lake
Friday, May 27, 2011
An update, an appeal
Jan 2009
May 2011
We are happy to tell you that our Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) has signed an MOU with the BBMP to maintain Puttenahalli Lake (Ref. MOU No: CC/EC/(Lakes)/MOU/01/2011-12 Dt. 17.05.2011). This gives official status to what PNLIT has been doing ever since the BBMP began rejuvenating the lake from Feb. 2010.
In order to build on BBMP's work, we had done a donation drive last year. Donations from well wishers like you helped us plant 300 trees, shrubs, hire a gardener and a sweeper. We greatly appreciate your support to a citizens' movement which began in a very small way to save the lake over three years ago (see photographs) to now reach this point of formal recognition of our effort. You may also be interested to know that ours is the first lake in Bangalore to be officially managed by a residents' group. Ours being a people's initiative, the challenge is even more formidable but not impossible.
With the greater responsibility our need for funds is greater and we are starting another donation drive this year. Your contribution will go towards cleaning the lake and its surroundings, planting more saplings, maintaining the garden, securing the lake, feeding inlets to drain water into the lake, upkeep of the toilets or providing drinking water, etc. For your information, we have received the status of Charitable Trust from the IT Dept and expect to get 80G exemption very soon.
Donations may be made in cash, cheque or by direct remittance.
- Cash may be given to our representatives at L&T South City or Brigade Millennium
- Cheques in favour of Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust may be sent to our registered office: B3, 502, South City, Arekere Mico Layout, Off Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076
- For Direct remittance, please see here.
Please become a Puttenahalli Lake champion!
With best wishes,
Usha
Chairperson, PNLIT
Sunday, April 3, 2011
PNLIT cloth bags with logo
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Collection drive of re-usable items ended
Dear Residents of BM and JP Nagar,
PNLIT thanks you for the donations in kind that you all have so generously made. Special thanks to the BM Mayflower MC for the collection point and to Ms Mercy Kariappa (AG14) and Nupur Jain (A916) for all the help in sorting.
PNLIT has started delivering the items to those who have a use for them.The following are the beneficiaries till now:
1. Abalashram
- orphanage for girls aged about 15-30 years
http://www.abalashram.org/
2. Child Fund Association
SunBeam, 8th Cross Puttenahalli, Bangalore 560078
- orphanage/home for girls aged about 4-18 years
http://www.cfaindia.com/
3. Puttenahalli Anganwadi
- children aged about 2-5 years
4. Omashram Old Age Home
- old age home
http://www.omashram.org/
5. Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged
- old age home
http://lspbangalore.com/
6. Vatsalya Chartiable Trust
717, 5th Cross, Kalyan Nagar, HRBR 1st Block, Bangalore 560 043
http://www.vctblr.org/
7. Samiksha Foundation
http://samikshafoundation.com/
Some more deliveries will be made in the coming days. All these organisations/ people and hundreds of others too are continually in need of different things, so please do get in touch with them should you wish to help.
Please do not leave anything more at the Mayflower reception.
Thanks again,
Arathi Manay
Managing Trustee (PNLIT)