Trac police launch BTP ASTraM app
- Bengaluru Traffic Police Launches Mobile App, BTP ASTraM
- BTP ASTraM is a one-stop solution for commuter needs, offering real-time traffic updates and an emergency help button.
- The app uses data from 9,000 police cameras, cab aggregators, map services firms, and public transport utilities.
- It provides real-time updates on traffic congestion, events like traffic diversions, and vehicle breakdowns.
- BTP is working on a digital twin project to create a real-time traffic scenario, expected by March 2025.
• The digital twin will overlay data from Namma Metro and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation to improve traffic management.
SC orders complete stop on practice of manual scavenging in six metros
- Complete ban on manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad.
- State officials to submit affidavits by Feb 13.
- Follows Oct 20, 2023 judgment directing complete eradication.
- 465 out of 775 districts claim zero cases of manual scavenging.
- Advocate K. Parameshwar claims inadequate investigations.
- SC criticizes ongoing practice, citing deaths and exploitation.
- Judges reaffirm commitment to enforce judgment and uphold right to dignity, equality, and fraternity
Abolition of Manual Scavenging through Constitutional and Legal Framework Article 14 (Equality before the Law), Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability), Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), and other articles guarantee rights. Manual scavenging is prohibited by the Prohibition of Employment as a Manual Scavenger and Their Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Formalizing and rehabilitating manual scavengers is the goal of the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) program. |
Environmental Opposition to Sharavati Valley Power Project
- Environmentalists oppose 2,000 MW pumped storage project in Sharavati Valley, despite conditions to reduce tree cutting.
- Concerns:
- 53 hectares of forest loss, affecting lion-tailed macaque sanctuary.
- Lack of transparency, project report not public.
- Increased grid load—24% more energy consumed than generated (as per expert Shankar Sharma).
- No proper cost assessment of forest damage.
- Project details:
- Located between Talakalale & Gerusoppa reservoirs, downstream of Linganamakki.
- KPCL to pump water against gravity for power generation.
- Environmentalists organizing awareness meetings to highlight the impact on Western Ghats biodiversity.
