Rivers & People: A Disconnect in Times of Scarcity

Dr. Nidhi Paliwal, a dentist with 15 years of experience in hospitals like Manipal, transitioned from her career to focus on environmental conservation. Growing up in a farming community in Madhya Pradesh, she witnessed the struggles of farmers, the commercialisation of medical​ practice, and the degradation of rivers and the environment. The shocking sight of Bellandur Lake catching fire from her balcony propelled her into action. She now lives in the eco-conscious GoodEarth Malhar community and actively participates in neighborhood environmental initiatives.

Nirmala Gowda is a Computer Science Engineer, with an M.Sc in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco. After spending more than a decade in the US, she returned to her homeland Bengaluru, intending to work on environmental issues. She uses her decade long experience of working in corporate America to address the pressing water problems. She also brings with her the learnings from volunteering with several environmental organisations like Sierra Club ​(East Bay chapter & San Francisco), Nature Conservancy, Alcoholics Anonymous, Leukaemia and Lymphoma society in San Francisco. She is a trustee of Bangalore Environment Trust.​

Madhuri Mandava, an Electrical Engineer with an M.S. in VLSI Design from Pennsylvania State University, experienced a big shift in her perspective in the year 2002 after reading Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, which highlighted the environmental impact of everyday choices and consumption. Moving into a home located right next to the Vrishabhavathi River, Madhuri​ made several attempts to understand what ails the river and where to begin restoration efforts. Through this journey, one thing became clear—the urban disconnect—a silence that perpetuates the degradation of rivers, often reducing them to mere ‘Mori’ or drains. She recognised the need for a systematic, scientific approach to bring these lifelines ​back to the forefront and restore their health. This realisation fuels her dedication to river conservation efforts.

Khushbu K Birawat is an Environmental Engineer with over 8 years of experience in water resources. Currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering, her research focuses on water security and Bengaluru’s lakes. She has led government-funded projects and is passionate about data transparency. As a full-time researcher at Paani.Earth, she applies data and tech to solve real-world problems.

In spring 2023, part-time artists from the GoodEarth Malhar community—including designers, young students, doctors, and educators—came together during a drought to raise awareness about the water crisis within and beyond their community. They chose to perform Komal Swaminathan’s 1980 play Thaneer, Thaneer! (Water, Water!) to inspire water conservation. Through this experience, they discovered their passion for theater and recognized the play as a powerful tool for communicating the impact of citizen action.