In serene Srirangapatna, Dr. Raghavendra R is leading a dedicated group of volunteers in rewriting the story of their urban lakes. Students have joined his mission to revive forgotten heritage and neglected lakes. With municipal authorities’ support, 300 volunteers have replenished four lakes, making clean water accessible to around 1500 people!

Historically, lakes have served as vital lifelines of sustenance and green recreational spaces with immense socio-cultural value for urban centers. During heavy rainfall, lakes act as natural sponges, mitigating floods by absorbing excess water. However, urban expansion poses challenges of encroachment and neglect from authorities. Sewage and garbage dumping have also become common, turning these once-pristine waters into toxic cesspools.

Conservationist Anand Malligavad's lake restorations in Bengaluru, inspired by the ancient sustainable practices of the Cholas, have caught policymakers' attention. With his involvement in Odisha's "Ama Pokhari Yojana", the government initiative aims to rejuvenate urban lakes in cooperation with Self-Help Groups under Mission Shakti, recognizing the transformative potential of collective action.

The successful piloting in Berhampur and Cuttack highlights how collaborations between various stakeholders lead to positive changes. Much like Srirangapatna, a Coimbatore-based non-profit, Siruthuli has been restoring the freshwater levels with the active involvement of school and college volunteers. Their Citizen Coordination Committee engages with young individuals in the quest to revive urban lakes.

Similarly, citizen-led efforts have transformed Miyapur’s Ameenpur Lake. The joint action of the VISVA Sustainable Foundation, Ameenpur Municipality, and TS Biodiversity Board has led to 150 clean-up drives.

From Srirangapatna to Miyapur, the conservation of our common natural resources, such as lakes, depends on the dedication of citizens to community and urban biodiversity.

Are there lakes in your city that are neglected? Have there been such efforts to revive them?