Understanding the role and the importance of Wetlands in Urban spaces

 Dear Mr.Sanjay

Thank you. Now it is too difficult to postpone, as our programmee is after the wetlands workshop and most participants like to attend the brainstorming session.


with best wishes


TVR

----------------------

I wish there was a way both these events could be held in the same venue.  Would CISTUP not be able to host the Environment Research Group guys also on IISc campus?  High hopes I suppose, but it is so critical for all the interested parties to work together on this very important issue.

let's see how Ms. Ravindranath responds.  If there is no options, maybe Ananthram sir can go to one event while I will go to the other. Other interested parties can also split up accordingly so that we can learn from both fora.

 Other interested parties can also split up accordingly so that we can learn from both fora.

Doesnt this sound more reasonable than fighting with things not in your control? Why not that integration of thoughts happen on Praja after getting the best of both?

 I was at difficulty to understand the quote: 

“ Other interested parties can also split up accordingly so that we can learn from both fora. ” 

Tweeter Style! 

This time the bulb flashed and here I am. Yes we are splitting. I am opting for Lal Bagh, if it is OK with Sanjay. Otherwise we switch. I missed the first meet with IISc. Hence I thought it is better Sanjay goes to the second one too. I will catch up later.

 Hi PSA sir... I am fine eitherways.  Since you indicated having intimated Prof. R about attending the IISc event, I took the liberty of picking the other one.  If you would like to go to the ESG one, I will cover IISc.

PSA sir, please note:

 Here is the announcement. So the event is from 9:30 am to 4 pm on Sept 26th

Location: Marigowda Hall, Lal Bagh, Bangalore

Prior registration is required

For More Details and Registrations contact: (It might be better to call rather than email)

Divya Ravindranath or Bhargavi S. Rao, Environment Support Group, 1572, 36th Cross, Ring Road, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore 560070 Tel:91-80-26713559/60/61 Email bhargavi@esgindia.org/divyarrs@esgindia.org Website: www.esgindia.org

Lalbagh requires all Participants to pay the entrance fee of RS.10/- at the gates

--------------------- Full announcement follows -------------------------------------------

Environment Support Group ®

in collaboration with

Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology

invites you to a workshop on

Urban Lakes as Ecological, Cultural and Public Spaces

A Workshop for Decision makers, Media, NGOs, Teachers, Students and the Public

Date: Saturday 26th September 2009

Time: 9.30 am – 4.00 pm

Venue: Marigowda Hall, Lalbagh, Near Double Road Entrance, Bangalore

The urban built area of Bangalore once had over 300 tanks (now also called as lakes). These water harvesting systems were built over hundreds of years by various generations, and formed an intricate network of water use serving agriculture and drinking water needs. In addition these water bodies have become critical sites for a variety of flora and fauna, especially local and migratory waterfowl.

Over time, these tanks have disappeared due to poor urban planning, lack of concern and reliance on drawing water from faraway rivers. The cultural underpinnings of water conservation that was so innate to life and living in these regions, slowly eroded with the disappearance of these lakes. As the city grows more dense in population and buildings, the critical importance of lakes as social, cultural and ecological spaces is being felt.

Presently less than 60 of these tanks exist in built Bangalore, and most are heavily polluted or drained. As a direct result of encroachment of lakes and its canal networks, Bangalore’s neighbourhoods get easily flooded even in a short rain frequently resulting in loss of life and property.

In this workshop we will understand the traditional methods of use and management of tanks and community relationships that kept these practices alive. We will appreciate the dynamic ecology of lakes and their role in supporting livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing, horticulture and farming. We will focus our concerns on how lakes have transitioned into cesspools of urban waste, sewage and decay. We will examine how critical lakes are to building water security for ever growing Bangalore. We will examine the role of the Rule of Law and Community Action in reviving these critical water bodies. We will also examine current policies of protecting and conserving lakes and examine their efficiency, especially ongoing efforts at privatising lakes. As an overall process we will try and evolve a series of good practices to ensure our lakes are retained for our generation and generations to come.

This workshop is for decision makers from the government and corporate sectors, academicians, media persons, legal professionals, political leaders, etc. Needless to state, anyone is welcome with prior registration.

Proceedings of this workshop will be widely circulated with the help of mass media and also electronically.

For More Details and Registrations contact:

Divya Ravindranath or Bhargavi S. Rao, Environment Support Group, 1572, 36th Cross, Ring Road, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore 560070 Tel:91-80-26713559/60/61 Email bhargavi@esgindia.org/divyarrs@esgindia.org Website: www.esgindia.org

Lalbagh requires all Participants to pay the entrance fee of RS.10/- at the gates