Workshop organized to discuss on water related challenges and solutions

Stakeholders workshop on Urban water Management in Bengaluru North ITC Limited under its social Investment arm “ITC Mission Sunehra Kal” Organized “Stakeholders workshop on Urban water management” at Tarabanahalli, Bengaluru North on 11th March 2022 in collaboration with Biome Environmental Trust & MYRADA . The workshop was organized to discuss on water related challenges & solutions in the peri urban area of Bengaluru North & Devanahalli Taluks. The event was inaugurated by Mr NM Vijay Singh, Security Manager & other dignitaries. In the inaugural session, Mr Manjunath L ,Regional Manager ,ITC explained about “ ITCs Water Stewardship Programme being implemented across the country ”. He also explained the efforts of ITC since last 20 years in promoting Ground water recharge in Bengaluru North & Devanahalli taluks . It was followed by presentation by Mr.Avinash from Biome who set the context for the event by making a presentation on Catalyzing and getting panchayats to take up open & Bore wells recharge and importance of Kunte & Kalyani rejuvenation and how to involve stakeholders & Fund it . Mr.Udaykumar P.L from Inscription stones of Bangalore & Yuvaraju.R from Mythic society and Mr.Gurusiddaiah author of several books on Devanahalli heritage spoke about the heritage of Bangalore and Devanahalli and its relation to open wells, lakes and kalyani’s. Mr.Abhishek from Jal Jeevan Mission briefly explained about the objectives of JJM, the work done in the first year and initiatives planned for the current year. Mr Shivashanker from MYRADA & Mr Shivanand from Biome explained various initiatives taken to promote rain water harvesting & ground water recharge in the area. Documented the sustainable water management initiatives adopted by communities on their own and shared the information with other stakeholders. For this event about 22 Organizations from Govt & Non Govt are participated . The stakeholders shared their experiences and ideas included Mr.Kumar representing Devanahalli TMC, Mr. Lohith PDO on Bandikodigehalli panchayat, Mr.Rajkumar PDO of Bettahalasur panchayat, Mr.Shashidhar PDO of Kundana panchayat, Mr.Dinni from Wipro Foundation, Ms.Anjali from Embassy group, Mr.Madhusudan from Saytrees, Mr.Vinay and Mrs.Meghana from Puravankara, Mrs. Miriam from TAICT, Mrs.Meena from India cares, Mr.Avinash from Rotary, Mrs. Roshin from Reva university, Mr.Venkategowda from Sonappanahalli school, Niret Alva from Srishti Manipal institute of Art, Design and technology, Mr.Abhishek from SVCE, Mrs.Roopa from Pratham foundation and Mr.Manjunath from Saahas. In the past 2 years, ITC along with Biome & MYRADA have interacted closely with Panchayats, TMC, Educational institutions, households, layouts, apartments, plumbers, well diggers etc. & conducted several awareness and training sessions and influenced the Households & Institutions to adopt Rooftop Rainwater harvesting, Groundwater recharge, water efficient practices and greywater treatment. Rainwater harvesting demonstration projects are implemented in schools. Ms Shubha from Biome anchored the Programme & Mr Harish Babu from ITC has thanked all participants with closing note. Followed by workshop, field visit was organized to Sonnappanahalli Government Higher Primary School, where Rainwater harvesting and open well revival is being implemented. . Workshop Participants from various Organizations