BBMP is contemplating to establish a structured system of high order involving citizens of Bangalore. It is a laudable claim indeed made by Chief conservator of Forests Sri Brijesh kumar of BBMP. To days TOI report has covered in detail the event held at IIM Bangalore on August 5th 2012. About 125 odd representatives of 21 lake committees have taken part.
Kumar explained the concept of Lake User Association (LUA) as a group of residents taking responsibility for maintenance of lakes. He addressed the crucial challenge of getting funds, which most citizen-activists tend to face when they try to save water bodies.
“The idea is to ensure that people do not remain bystanders and criticize the poor conditions around us, but choose to become a stakeholder by taking part in finding solutions,” said Arbind Kumar Gupta, chairperson, ANIT.
ABIDe member Ashwin Mahesh said citizens need to document what can be publicly seen instead of relying on government records. “Lake development is easy but maintenance is difficult. People have to play an active role for this,” said Ravi Ralph, additional principal chief conservator of forests and CEO, LDA. For the full report click here.
Wonder whether the Mayor and corporaters were invited / present.