Amidst Bengaluru’s ongoing battle with water scarcity, efforts to revive open wells are gaining momentum following experiments at the city’s major parks, Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
Ram Prasad, founder of Friends of Lakes, led the Cubbon Park rejuvenation project in 2017 and is currently involved in similar endeavors at Lalbagh. He highlighted the historical significance of unconfined shallow aquifers as a vital water source. The focus of the initial Cubbon Park project was on rejuvenating seven open wells to bolster water security. Additionally, 74 recharge wells were installed in subsequent years.
Traditional well diggers, known as mannu vaddars, have benefitted from these initiatives, finding renewed employment opportunities. Despite progress, challenges persist, notably in obtaining permissions and garnering official support. Prasad highlighted the need for advocacy to address these challenges effectively.
The organisation aims to launch a “million recharge wells” campaign, aspiring to establish at least 10 lakh recharge wells to replenish unconfined shallow aquifers consistently.
Regular usage of open wells is mentioned as essential for maintaining water quality. Prasad stressed the importance of daily usage to ensure water cleanliness and sustainability.
In collaboration with Friends of Lakes, India Cares Foundation, and DCB Bank, the horticulture department excavated a traditional open well at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, projected to yield a minimum of 30,000 litres of water every two days.
