The Catch Every Drop campaign, which created awareness about water conservation, spun off a few other events in Bangalore. Save Our Lakes, which focused on protecting Bangalore's dying lakes was held on May 10, 2013. The Alternative and Korkai, with the support of Arghyam and India Water Portal hosted this event.
People met and discussed ideas on the subject and also watched a movie titled 'Bangalore Lake Diaries', which detailed how Bangalore fought the water crisis by preserving its only freshwater source - lakes.
Thanks to The Alternative and Korkai for making the film Bangalore Lake Diaries
What better way to hit home the message that our lakes are in danger of disappearing than by showing striking images of these very lakes! Pictures sent to the ‘Worth of Water’ Photography Contest were exhibited at Thalam, a photography studio in Domlur, Indiranagar.
Brijesh Kumar, Chief Conservator Forests, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP), spoke of the utility’s efforts to rejuvenate Bangalore's lakes. The BBMP has set aside funds to restore a number of lakes. Once the restoration is complete, it hopes that local communities that live near the lakes will take over the on-going maintenance. Kumar talked freely with the audience about who they should approach within the BBMP and why there were so many different Urban Local Bodies dealing with lakes.
Next to speak at the event was V. Balasubramanian, former Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka and Chairman, Centre for Policies and Practices. He made headlines recently for prophesising that half the city would have to be evacuated by 2023 if we did not take control of our water crisis immediately. His presentation that covered water quality, groundwater depletion and the need for recharge, rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment and greywater recycling in Bangalore showed the stark situation that we are faced with.
Last to speak was Harini Nagendra, a researcher with Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). She was part of a group of concerned citizens living in the Bellandur area who got the BBMP to take over a string of lakes and understand the larger importance of groundwater recharge through lake restoration in the entire area. The Kaikondrahalli Lake is a fantastic example of a community coming together. It is an inspiration to other groups who want to revive their local lakes. Read more on what Harini's efforts at Kaikondrahalli Lake here.
See pictures of the 'Save Our Lakes' event below.
We hope that this is the beginning of many more similar events in Bangalore. India Water Portal would like to thank The Alternative for its enthusiasm and passion. Watch this space for similar events in the city in the near future!
For more information on Catch Every Drop, write to priyad@indiawaterportal.org
Check out the Catch Every Drop campaign here.