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ಕೆರೆಗಳ ನಗರಿಯಿಂದ ಟ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ ನಗರದೆಡೆಗೆ | City of Lakes to City of Tankers
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನೀರಿನ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ನಿವಾರಣೆಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಇದೆಯೇ? | Is There a Way Out of Bengaluru’s Water Crisis?
Speakers
In Bangalore, the dynamic interplay between urban forests, lakes, and groundwater exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities of managing natural resources in a rapidly growing metropolis.
Urban forests in Bangalore, including iconic green spaces like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, serve as vital lungs for the city, offering respite from the urban bustle and enhancing air quality. These wooded areas not only provide recreational opportunities but also support biodiversity conservation efforts, hosting a rich array of flora and fauna amidst the urban sprawl. However, the sustainability of Bangalore’s urban forests faces threats from encroachment, pollution, and inadequate management practices, highlighting the need for concerted conservation efforts and community engagement to safeguard these green havens.
Similarly, Bangalore’s numerous lakes, once the pride of the city, now grapple with pollution, encroachment, and diminishing water levels. From iconic water bodies like Ulsoor Lake to smaller neighborhood ponds, these lakes play critical roles in replenishing groundwater, supporting biodiversity, and providing recreational spaces for residents. Efforts to rejuvenate Bangalore’s lakes, such as the rejuvenation of Bellandur and Varthur Lakes, underscore the importance of holistic approaches that address water quality, ecological restoration, and community participation.
Groundwater, a lifeline for Bangalore’s burgeoning population, faces sustainability challenges due to rapid urbanization, unchecked extraction, and contamination. The city’s reliance on groundwater for drinking water, industrial, and agricultural needs underscores the urgency of adopting efficient water management practices, promoting rainwater harvesting, and curbing pollution to safeguard this precious resource. Initiatives like the “Recharge Bengaluru” campaign aim to replenish groundwater levels by restoring traditional water harvesting structures and enhancing infiltration of rainwater into the aquifer.
This panel will discuss the nexus of urban forests, lakes, and groundwater in Bangalore which underscores the complex relationship between urbanisation, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability. A Q&A with the audience will follow.
This session will be in Kannada and English.
Speakers
Suresh Heblikar
Mr. Suresh Heblikar studied in Basel Mission High school, Karnataka College and the Karnataka University, Dharwad. He studied Economics, Political Science and Anthropology at the college and did his Post-Graduation in Economics. He also studied Marketing and Advertising for a year in Mumbai.
He has acted in more than twenty five films in lead roles. His movies are very artistic and always theme- based with strong social messages. Mr. Heblikar also directed about six feature films on social and environmental issues. Many of these movies have psychological and contemporary social themes. He has won several awards at the state and national level for his movies.
Mr. Heblikar set up the environmental organisation ‘ECO-WATCH’ in 1998 which is very active in the area of afforestation, biodiversity conservation, water conservation, environmental education and the like. ECO-WATCH organises workshops and seminars on ecological and environmental topics and other related subjects. The organisation works with schools, corporate and Government agencies.
Mr. Heblikar is very keen to promote the concept of small towns as eco-friendly entities and destinations. He also writes regularly on the subjects of environment and development to various newspapers and magazines both in English and Kannada. He also appears on the regional TV channels voicing concerns on environmental issues.
Vijay Nishanth
Vijay Nishanth is a prominent figure in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability, recognized both nationally and internationally for his significant contributions. In 2018, he gained international recognition at the World Green Infrastructure Congress for his pivotal role in promoting sustainability in India.
His dedication to conservation has earned him prestigious awards such as the Asamanya Kannadiga Award in 2017, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to Karnataka’s conservation efforts. He was also honored with the Dr. Saalumarada Thimmakka National Greenery Award the same year.
His work as a “Tree Doctor” has garnered attention from various quarters, including the Indian Army’s MEG, who recognized his efforts. Vijay’s impactful initiatives have been featured in international documentaries and articles, earning him widespread acclaim. Notably, he has been featured on the cover page of Dainik Bhaskar, India’s highest-selling newspaper, and has appeared on numerous national and state television channels for his expertise on environmental conservation.
Vijay’s influence extends to global platforms, where he has been invited as a TEDx speaker at KIIT Odisha and as a speaker at the G20 summit. His efforts have been celebrated with awards such as the Parameshwara Pulikeshi Award from the Kannada Chaluvali Kendra Samithi in 2022 and the Environmental Service Award from Rotary Lalbagh in 2023. He was also honored with the Achievers Award from Kannada daily Prajavani in 2023.
Raghavendra Pachhapur
Raghavendra B Pachhapur holds a master’s degree in sociology and boasts three decades of experience as a social worker. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in disability activism, rallying rural disabled individuals across ten states of the country. Dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities in Karnataka, he has been a tireless advocate for their rights and welfare.
In recent years, Raghavendra has shifted his focus to the critical issue of water commons. Alongside his professional endeavors, he nurtures a passion for birdwatching and photography, particularly in the realm of lake conservation. He is committed to enhancing the monitoring of lake water quality and fostering the restoration of lake ecosystems. Raghavendra firmly believes that lakes possess the potential to become biodiversity hotspots, and he channels his efforts towards realizing this vision.
Currently serving as a Senior Programme Lead at ActionAid in Bangalore, Raghavendra continues to dedicate himself to advancing social justice and environmental sustainability in the region.
R Manjunath (Kere Manjunath)
R. Manjunath, also known as Kere Manjunath, has been serving as a senior reporter at Prajavani since November 2016. Prior to this, from 1995 to 2016, he held various positions including Senior Reporter, Chief Correspondent, and Special Correspondent at Karnataka News Net, Janavahini, Vijaya Karnataka, and Kannadaprabha newspapers.
One of his notable works includes the documentary “Lake City,” which explores the current state of lakes in Bengaluru and their impact on the environment. In August 2008, he conducted a comprehensive study titled “KYD Vijaya Karna Taka” over a period of 35 days, from August 25th to October 1st, focusing on the status of 106 lakes in Bangalore. This study was published under the title “Report-Lay Khana Series” in the Bengaluru Vijaya newspaper.
Manjunath has also actively participated in academic symposiums and conferences, presenting papers on topics related to environmental conservation and urban development. At a symposium on the conservation of lakes in Bangalore city held at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), he presented a paper titled “Lake Thawing Time,” discussing the condition of Bangalore’s lakes. Additionally, he presented a paper at the 76th All India Kannada Sahitya Samela in Gadag, focusing on “Urban Development and Environmental Conservation.”
