May 03 2024 to May 03 2024 6:30 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

In Bangalore, the dynamic interplay between urban forests, lakes, and groundwater exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities of managing natural resources in a rapidly growing metropolis. Urban forests in Bangalore, including iconic green spaces like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, serve as vital lungs for the city, offering respite from the urban bustle and enhancing air quality. These wooded areas not only provide recreational opportunities but also support biodiversity conservation efforts, hosting a rich array of flora and fauna amidst the urban sprawl.

However, the sustainability of Bangalore’s urban forests faces threats from encroachment, pollution, and inadequate management practices, highlighting the need for concerted conservation efforts and community engagement to safeguard these green havens. Similarly, Bangalore’s numerous lakes, once the pride of the city, now grapple with pollution, encroachment, and diminishing water levels. From iconic water bodies like Ulsoor Lake to smaller neighborhood ponds, these lakes play critical roles in replenishing groundwater, supporting biodiversity, and providing recreational spaces for residents.

Efforts to rejuvenate Bangalore’s lakes, such as the rejuvenation of Bellandur and Varthur Lakes, underscore the importance of holistic approaches that address water quality, ecological restoration, and community participation. Groundwater, a lifeline for Bangalore’s burgeoning population, faces sustainability challenges due to rapid urbanization, unchecked extraction, and contamination. The city’s reliance on groundwater for drinking water, industrial, and agricultural needs underscores the urgency of adopting efficient water management practices, promoting rainwater harvesting, and curbing pollution to safeguard this precious resource. Initiatives like the “Recharge Bengaluru” campaign aim to replenish groundwater levels by restoring traditional water harvesting structures and enhancing infiltration of rainwater into the aquifer.

This panel will discuss the nexus of urban forests, lakes, and groundwater in Bangalore which underscores the complex relationship between urbanisation, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability.

A Q&A with the audience will follow.