The Proof of Concept (PoC) Urban Observatory for Bengaluru and Karnataka developed under this study provides the basic architecture for an Urban Observatory. It further demonstrates how a complete data story can be presented by collecting, integrating, analysing and visualising data from multiple sources around a specific theme. This PoC can be expanded to explore other urban themes and can be replicated to create similar observatories for other cities in Karnataka.

Recognising the need for implementing more forward-looking approaches in Bengaluru’s key urban sectors, the Government of Karnataka has introduced a number of new policy guidelines relating to water, sanitation and transport sectors. However, addressing urban sustainability challenges require the consideration of varying geographic contexts as well as the difference in the pattern of urbanisation experienced by cities.

Karnataka is the second most arid state in India, after Rajasthan. The decline in rainfall in recent years has seen an increased reliance on groundwater for fulfilling agricultural water needs in Karnataka. This requires significant power consumption because a majority of irrigation pump (IP) sets, used to pump groundwater, are electrical. Most of the existing pump sets operate at a very low efficiency, leading to a high electricity consumption for the same unit of productivity.

CSTEP provides recommendations for seamless integration between public transport systems (BMTC and BMRCL) in Bengaluru. The project was part of a series of studies done for the Government of Karnataka.  

CSTEP provides recommendations of seamless integration between public transport systems (BMTC and BMRCL) in Bengaluru. The project was part of a series of studies done for the Government of Karnataka.  

CSTEP explored the potential of BMTC land resources as part of its Government of Karnataka studies.

CSTEP evaluated the scope for improvement and extension of BMTC's chartered services as part of its Government of Karnataka studies.

This study looks into the impact of planned renewable energy addition, up to FY 2018-19, on the Karnataka grid.

CSTEP evaluated the impact of cab aggregators on Vayu Vajra Service as part of its Government of Karnataka studies.

The agricultural sector in Karnataka accounts for 39% of the state’s electricity (~21,344 MU). This is provided for free, or at heavily subsidised rates, to farmers. Moreover, electricity is not metered. This has led to an estimated revenue loss of INR 9,295 crore for the state DISCOMs. The Government has attempted several initiatives to reduce this loss. One option being followed is segregation of domestic and agricultural feeders. The feeder separation provides an opportunity for use of solar energy to supply electricity to agricultural feeders.