The OoruLabs Podcast

On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, Sathya Sankaran speaks with Bicycle Mayors of 

Chennai - Felix John

Hyderabad - Santana Selvan

Pimpri-Chinchwad - Ashik Jain

New Delhi - Dalip Sabharwal

Guwahati - Arshel Akhter

The conversation discusses the tragic incidents of cyclists and pedestrians being hit by vehicles in different cities across India. It highlights the need for a collective effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents. The participants also discuss the concept of victim shaming and the importance of holding authorities accountable for ensuring safety. The conversation explores the role of infrastructure, traffic calming measures, and the automobile industry in promoting road safety. It emphasizes the need for an overarching system and representation from various stakeholders to address road safety issues effectively. The conversation covers various themes related to road safety and the steps needed to improve it.

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Tragic Incidents

03:09 Responsibility and Victim Shaming

04:37 Need for a Collective Effort

07:01 Incidents in Different Cities

09:24 Lack of Attention to Non-Famous Incidents

13:10 Safety as a Culture

15:00 Infrastructure and Traffic Calming

23:27 Enforcement and Road Safety Cells

26:22 Responsibility of Automobile Industry

32:30 Ownership of Road Safety

39:04 Pinpointing Responsibility and Cultural Change

43:21 Driver Education

45:10 Building the NMT Community

46:38 Influencing Government Officials

48:30 Awareness of Safety

50:25 Changing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

52:51 Designing Safe Infrastructure

54:16 The Strength of Community

55:12 Behavior Change and Responsibility

57:36 Enforcement and Penalties

58:03 Preventive Measures and Road Safety Cells

59:30 KPIs and Outcome-Based Approach

01:01:30 Policy Changes and License Reform

01:02:28 Infrastructure Stakeholders and Design

01:03:52 Urban Roads and Non-Motorized Transport

01:05:14 Motion Detection Cameras and Safety Sales

01:06:38 Design Works Better Than Laws

01:08:28 Carrots and Sticks: Stricter Punishments and Self-Accountability

01:09:56 Behavior Change Starts at Home and in the Community

01:10:22 Enforcement, Education, and Engineering

01:11:47 Fractured Cycling Community and Building Alliances

01:14:08 Designing Streets for People and Differentiating Urban Roads and Highways

01:17:29 Balancing Strict Laws and Negative External Risks

01:19:52 Using Technology and Dash Cams for Accountability

01:21:48 Designing Streets for Mobility and Place Function

01:25:00 Understanding Accountabilities and Valuing Life in the City

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Stock video and picture credits: All rights belong to respective owners.

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, Sathya Sankaran quizzes civic activist and resident of Brookefields layout in the IT Hub of Bengaluru Arvind on the transformation in his neighbourhood.

The conversation explores the state of infrastructure in Bangalore and the challenges faced by the community. It highlights the need for active citizenship and taking matters into our own hands to improve the living conditions. The chapters cover topics such as community-led approaches, engaging with the government, challenges and solutions, limitations of government involvement, and the importance of design and quality control. This conversation explores the concept of citizen-led infrastructure improvement in Bangalore. The guest, highlights the complexity of underground infrastructure and the challenges it poses for maintenance. The lack of planning in Bangalore and the need for citizen involvement in addressing infrastructure issues are emphasized. The conversation delves into the concept of local taxation as a means to fund neighborhood improvement projects and the importance of community engagement and ownership. The chapter concludes with a discussion on starting small and building momentum in community development.

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Takeaways

Active citizenship is crucial for improving infrastructure and quality of life in communities.

Engaging with the government is important, but it may not always lead to effective solutions.

Community-led approaches can bring about significant positive changes in infrastructure.

Design and quality control are essential for creating sustainable and efficient infrastructure. Innovation in road design can prioritize pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle traffic.

The complexity of underground infrastructure poses challenges for maintenance and requires innovative solutions.

The lack of planning in Bangalore and the organic growth of the city have led to infrastructure issues.

Citizen-led initiatives can effectively address infrastructure problems and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.

Local taxation can be a viable funding mechanism for neighborhood improvement projects.

Community engagement and ownership are crucial for successful community development.

Starting small and building momentum is key to initiating and sustaining neighborhood improvement projects.

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Timecodes

00:00 The State of Infrastructure in Bangalore

03:23 Transforming a Community

05:16 Community-led Approach

09:02 Active Citizenship and Government Responsibility

10:00 Engaging with the Government

11:00 Challenges and Solutions

15:24 Why Take Matters into Our Own Hands

23:10 Adjusting to Existing Growth

25:29 The Importance of Design and Quality Control

26:56 Innovation in Road Design

27:54 Complexity of Underground Infrastructure

28:49 Lack of Planning in Bangalore

30:13 Citizen-Led Infrastructure Improvement

32:36 Challenges of Government Inefficiency

34:03 Local Taxation for Neighborhood Improvement

36:58 Engagement and Ownership in Community Development

39:51 Funding and Execution of Neighborhood Projects

41:59 Encouraging Communities to Take Initiative

45:47 The Importance of Local Administration

48:41 Affordability and Accountability in Local Taxation

51:29 Starting Small and Building Momentum

52:56 Funding and Resolving Challenges

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Stock video and picture credits to various contributors on Pexels, Pixabay, Mixkit, Deccan Herald, Bangalore Mirror, Lead the competition, Swarajyamag. All rights belong to respective owners.

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, 

We discuss the water crisis in Bangalore with Vishwanath aka Zenrainman, and explore the severity of the issue. 

Bengaluru is facing an unprecedented water scarcity crisis, with many tanker services stopping due to a lack of water at the source. The city's water supply is heavily reliant on energy-inefficient pumping from the Cauvery River and underground sources. Vishwanath Shekhandaya, also known as Zen Rain Man, discusses the severity of the crisis and the need for long-term solutions. The interview highlights the challenges of coordinating multiple agencies and the importance of integrated urban water management. The conversation also emphasizes the role of water tankers as a short-term solution and the potential for increasing competition in the sector. It is crucial to address the supply gap and invest in infrastructure, such as connecting wastewater treatment plants to surface water bodies. The discussion raises concerns about the lack of political support and the negative impact on the brand image of Bengaluru. However, there is enough water available from various sources, including rainwater, groundwater, and treated wastewater, if managed efficiently. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the need for citizen action, including water literacy, responsible construction practices, and paying the true economic cost of water.

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Takeaways

Bengaluru is facing an unprecedented water scarcity crisis, with a heavy reliance on energy-inefficient pumping from the Cauvery River and underground sources.

Coordinating multiple agencies and implementing integrated urban water management are crucial for finding long-term solutions to the water crisis.

Water tankers play a significant role as a short-term solution, but increasing competition and improving coordination between private and public tankers is necessary.

Investing in infrastructure, such as connecting wastewater treatment plants to surface water bodies, is essential to address the supply gap.

Citizen action, including water literacy, responsible construction practices, and paying the true economic cost of water, is crucial for sustainable water management.

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction: Water Scarcity in Bengaluru

01:33 Interview with Vishwanath Shekhandaya

09:36 Water Supply and Resource Scarcity

11:28 Challenges of Groundwater Depletion

12:56 Political Support and Brand Bengaluru

15:10 Water Balance and Other Sources

20:44 Conclusion: Importance of Water Conservation

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Stock video and picture credits to various contributors on X, Giphy, Raj Bhagat P, Citizen matters, Pexels. All rights belong to respective owners.

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, Sathya and Susheel with yet another episode of their Monthly ones for mango people talking about the tax devolution.

Camera: Rahul Vinay and Arun V.

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Summary

The conversation explores the topic of tax devolution and the North-South divide in India. It delves into the understanding of taxation and devolution, the role of the state finance commission, and the challenges in city governance. The chapters cover the importance of consuming the story as citizens and how the center should devolve funds to the states. The conversation discusses the state government's control over data and grants, Bangalore's GDP and its impact, the importance of state devolution to citizens, the lack of political devolution in Bangalore, the need for an elected city government, challenges with own revenues and budgets, the lack of political power in the state finance commission, the importance of richer parts of Bangalore contributing, the role of ward committees and corporators, the citizen's role in city governance, coordination and project management in BBMP, the lack of taxes going to BBMP, the importance of raising own revenues at the ward level, political self-determination and city government, the focus on city governance for urban prosperity, and the importance of understanding and making sense at a personal level.

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Takeaways

Tax devolution is a complex issue that requires citizens to consume the information rigorously and understand the fundamentals of taxation and devolution.

The North-South divide in India is a topic of national consciousness, with the South feeling shortchanged in terms of devolution of funds.

The state finance commission plays a crucial role in determining the devolution of funds to cities and municipalities, and there is a need for better data and governance in this process.

Challenges in city governance, such as the lack of proper budgets and data, need to be addressed to ensure effective devolution and utilization of funds. The quality of data from the revenue department in the state government is often poor, and citizens have little say in how grants are allocated.

Bangalore has a high GDP compared to other cities in the south, but citizens need to understand how state devolution affects infrastructure and welfare in their city.

The lack of an elected city government in Bangalore hinders political devolution and accountability to citizens.

Citizens should push for the establishment of city councils and the devolution of power to elected representatives.

The city government should have control over its own revenues and budgets, and citizens should be involved in the decision-making process.

Coordination and project management within BBMP need improvement to avoid inefficiencies and ensure proper allocation of resources.

Raising own revenues at the ward level is important to avoid disparities and ensure balanced development.

Citizens should demand political self-determination and an elected city government to have a voice in local governance.

Understanding and engaging with local level issues is crucial for citizens to make a meaningful impact on their communities.

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Chapters

00:00 Tax Devolution and State GST

03:45 The North-South Divide

09:08 Consuming the Story as Citizens

11:06 Understanding Taxation and Devolution

15:26 How Should the Center Devolve?

24:22 Challenges in City Governance

26:19 State Government Data and Grants

27:18 Bangalore's GDP and Its Impact

27:44 Importance of State Devolution to Citizens

28:14 Lack of Political Devolution in Bangalore

29:11 Importance of Elected City Government

30:03 Lacuna in City Council Elections

31:03 Importance of Councillors and Corporators

On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast,

We talk about cities and their character using Bengaluru as an example from the latest book of author Malini Goyal & Prasanth Prakash. Malini Goyal has been a deep-dive business journalist for over twenty-five years. A seasoned writer, she has worked with India’s leading publications, including Economic Times, India Today, Forbes and Times of India. She has tracked and reported on India’s tech and startup landscape for over a decade now. Based in Delhi since 1989, she moved to Bengaluru in 2021 specifically to work on this book. Currently, she is the co-founder of UnboxingBLR Foundation, a not-for-profit platform focused on documenting Bengaluru’s rise as a global tech hub. The platform is working on multiple initiatives to help make Bengaluru a culturally vibrant global city.

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Unboxing Bengaluru the book with Prasanth Prakash - https://amzn.eu/d/emx2AmH 

Featuring South Africa on Forbes - https://www.forbesindia.com/special-report/south-africa/1122/1

Featuring Israel on Economic Times - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/israel-a-startup-oasis-in-the-middle-of-a-war-zone/articleshow/57225306.cms?from=mdr 

Startup Nation the story of Israel’s economic miracle - https://amzn.eu/d/4RgWFSY 

UnboxingBLR foundation - https://www.unboxingblr.com/ 

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast,

We speak with Pranay Kotasthane. He is the deputy director of Takshashila Institution, an independent centre for research and education in public policy. He teaches topics in public policy, international relations, and public finance at Takshashila's graduate and post-graduate programmes. We dwell on the current controversy on sharing of monies from Union to the states and the alleged injustice to the southern states which seem to be published for doing well economically.

Are the tax devolutions politically influenced? Why are states so dependent on the union government for monies? Are there deficiencies and discretion in the devolution of the tax monies? What are the other amounts nobody is talking about? Is the centre keeping too much money to itself? Are states doing a good job of raising and spending monies?

Stock video and picture credits to various contributors on insightsonindia, drishtiias, openbudgetsindia, abplive, New Indian Express, clearIAS, population foundation of India, K Raja, the India Forum, civilspedia and others. All rights belong to respective owners.

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Income disparity and what it takes to equalise by Palanivel Thiaga Rajan - https://frontline.thehindu.com/economy/uttar-pradesh-economy-comparison-with-tamil-nadu-south-india/article67821390.ece

Finance Commission of India - https://fincomindia.nic.in

Missing In Action : Why You Should Care About Public Policy by Pranay Kotasthane, Raghu S. Jaitley - https://amzn.eu/d/8UAS1XT 

Takshashila Institution - https://takshashila.org.in/ 

Population Foundation of India - https://www.populationfoundation.in/ 

S1E17 Does size matter, governance challenges in big cities - https://youtu.be/helgTk7_0TE 

S2E24 Should Bengaluru be split, Governance in a city like Bengaluru with Ravichandar V - https://youtu.be/EmqquGZQx1s 

S1E31 Where is the money in our cities going? Public Finance episode with Srikanth Vishwanathan - https://youtu.be/fIMKPW59jqM 

S1E45 Which is India’s best future ready city? State of our city governance and finances with Srikanth Vishwanathan - https://youtu.be/tbeb1ERyGoE 

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Timecodes

00:00 - Introduction & context

01:44 - Political/fiscal federalism

11:32 - Central pot of money

17:10 - GST distribution 

20:25 - Money from the pot to states

22:57 - Imperfect formula

30:25 - Rewarding population

39:10 - Fiscal prudence by states

44:32 - Ministerial Grants

47:28 - State finance commission

52:13 - Missing in Action

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast,

The idea of competing with us is delusional, how can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? Tweeted a minister from a foreign country in response to the PM of India scuba diving in Lakshadweep and set off a tourism war with India. In response many people in India tweeted #BoycottMaldives, which set off a series of offers to develop Lakshadweep as an alternative to Maldives. 

Tourism in India peaked in 2019 before the pandemic, with foreign tourist arrivals at 1 crore and domestic tourism at 230 crores. 1.6 lakh Indians travelling to Maldives in 2019 and second place in their tourism arrivals is a small fraction of the potential travellers going out of India. It’s hard to tell how many of the 2.7 crore departures from India in 2019 were tourists and how much was business and immigration. McKinsey puts the number at a little over 2 crores. (https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/from-india-to-the-world-unleashing-the-potential-of-indias-tourists). 8 crore Indians are expected to travel out of the country for tourism by 2040.

What does this mean for tourist locations in India?

Even if we say all of the 1.6 lakh people stop going to Maldives and visit our locales they will just be a drop in the ocean, it’s not the number of tourists alone thats the problem. It’s the consequences of bad behaviour and unrestrained activity in sensitive areas. Look at the recent news report of the 4000 trekkers clogging Kumara Parvatha in Karnataka in February during the Republic Day holidays. This story was repeated all across the country in many tourist locations. How do we fix this so we can actually enjoy our locales?

We talk to three people who have been at the fore front of trying solve problems. Ramkumar CB is the vice chair of the global sustainable tourism council to GSTC. It’s an international organisation that trains and builds capacity in industry and government to make tourism more sustainable. With a past heading advertising agencies, he switched to putting money where his mouth is and ran a resort focussed on sustainability. 

Jenny Pinto believes that the business of everyday living must be at the heart of any  discussion on sustainability and climate change. because it is the aspirations and demands of common people that ultimately influence policy, economy and change. she is a film maker, writer, lighting designer and papermaker and founded a lighting design company OORJAA, based in bangalore, that uses waste as raw material. she uses her combined experience  to create communication about the environment. 

Shobana Chandrashekar is the Convenor of Namma Nilgiris, a citizen’s group formed to foster community spirit and find solutions to civic issues in Nilgiris. She is also Founding Trustee of The Nilgiri Mountain Arts Initiative (TNMAI), that runs Gallery OneTwo, a free public art gallery created from an abandoned unlicensed toilet as a free-of-cost platform for upcoming artists.

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Timecodes

00:00 - Introduction & context

03:32 - The deterioration

12:56 - The irresponsibility

18:33 - Knowledge gap

28:28 - Visitors are like teenagers

33:52 - Belling the cat

40:19 - The policy gap

45:16 - Killing the golden goose

52:34 - Coercion and industry

59:34 - Tourist responsibility

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Sathya and Susheel debate the value of information, how it is useful to citizens and quality of governance.

On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast,

Citizens in large agglomerations are at their wits end trying to get relief from disorganised civic agencies across the country. Their only recourse is their political representatives who don’t seem to necessarily have a permanent fix, they appease the immediate requests but fail to fix things for the long haul. What are their incentives? Many cities across the country for example, Bengaluru, don’t have a city government? Why don’t we have it? Do our politicians really care?

Sathya Sankaran brainstorms this with Tara Krishnaswamy, who has spent decades in elections, policy, federalism, ward committees urban governance and gender justice. She is the co-founder of political Shakti a non partisan volunteer collective to increase women’s role in you politics and she has also been a consultant for election campaigns of MP of Karur  constituency in Tamil Nadu and the MLA of Jayanagar constituency in Bengaluru.

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Timecodes

00:00 - Introduction & context

03:02 - Do politicians care?

04:57 - Structural deficiencies

11:27 - Finances and incentives

20:01 - Urban privileged 

37:37 - Minimal government 

46:08 - Urgent national campaign

01:00:41 - Belling the cat

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Profile of Tara Krishnaswamy - https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/unsung-heroes-tara-krishnaswamy-from-techie-to-fighter-for-political-rights-of-women-8018901/

Shakti - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2275236536052616/

The 74th Amendment - https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Chapter-I-06239c581cc6841.99798296.pdf 

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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, We speak to Udaya Kumar PL who gives a long term view on his Bengaluru and its languages. How they evolved and what it means going forward.

Why is language such a touchy subject? Our country has states separated on language, so language is not just communication. It is also political. Why have we made language political? Are languages like religion, a soft target to create enemies and galvanize political support?  Or is there really a threat to the languages in the cities which are multicultural and multilingual by nature? What is the language of a city? Why did you learn English without prompting, but riots are needed for you to learn. Kannada.

Stock video and picture credits to various contributors from zing languages, Pedal in Tandem, Bengaluru prayana. All rights belong to respective owners.

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Timecodes

00:00 - Introduction & context

02:01 - Languages of Bengaluru

07:47 - Threat to language

16:01 - Hindi and disrespect

22:58 - Language utilitarianism

28:29 - Friction to learning

38:13 - Reducing ghettoisation

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Inscription stones | S1E21 OoruLabs podcast with Udaya Kumar PL -  https://youtu.be/N0dQmaiBYSw

Inscription stones of Bengaluru - https://www.facebook.com/groups/inscriptionstones/

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