Prafulla Saligram, the secretary of the Society for Community Health Awareness Research and Action (SOCHARA), emphasises the importance of “communitisation” — active community involvement — in addressing Bengaluru’s pressing water issues.
She noted that the city once had around 400 lakes, some dating back 200 to 300 years, but unchecked urban growth has led to their disappearance, increasing reliance on external water sources.
SOCHARA engages local neighbourhoods, such as Maya Bazaar and Anjanapura, to foster community participation in identifying and addressing health determinants related to equity, caste, religion, and access for marginalised groups.
K Subramanian, a member of the Hennur Taskers group, echoed the need for community engagement, stating that local campaigns aim to educate children about the water crisis, promote the use of recycled water for gardening and car washing, and monitor the health of nearby lakes.
He believes that while citizens are eager to contribute, the government must act as a key supporter to enhance these initiatives rather than hinder them.
Veena Srinivasan, Director of Well Labs, highlighted the vital yet limited role of citizen groups. These groups often act as watchdogs against illegal encroachments by real estate developers and facilitate communication among various agencies, including the BBMP, BWSSB, and Fisheries Department, which often lack coordination.
She pointed out that citizens frequently serve as first responders in crises, working to break cycles of neglect and promote positive changes. However, she stressed that these groups cannot address the city's larger infrastructure challenges on their own and that broader systemic support is essential for sustainable solutions.
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