Vijender Reddy – Co-Founder and CEO of DrinkPrime
Bangalore in the 1960s – More than 200 lakes filled with fresh water to the brim.
Bangalore currently – Less than 10 lakes are clean and have water that can be used for consumption and other purposes.
The same is the case in almost all cities in India. Delhi, Hyderabad, you name it, every city has witnessed an alarming decline in their water bodies and their quality.
Shocking, isn’t it?
If you’ve come across numerous articles lately discussing lake conservation and water management, you might be wondering why this topic is receiving such widespread attention. Is the situation really that serious? Should you be genuinely concerned about it? And most importantly, how does it affect you and your daily life?
The numbers I shared, in the beginning, answer these questions. But how can we as concerned individuals, better manage this situation?
By exploring their current state and their direct impact on your day-to-day experiences, I aim to emphasize the significance of taking action and how.
Amid the busy urban cities in India, there’s something special hiding away – urban lakes! These beautiful bodies of water not only add to the beauty of our surroundings but also play an important role in managing water sustainably. Not only are they home to thriving aquatic life they also provide us with fresh drinking water. Studies show that urban lakes in India store about 50% of the urban water supply, making them an essential resource for meeting freshwater demands.
Did you also know that lakes can help with the rising temperatures we all have been loathing? Lakes and water bodies can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 2-3 degrees Celsius, creating a more comfortable and sustainable urban environment.
Unfortunately, with 70% of India’s water bodies contaminated, urban lakes face several challenges that threaten their existence. Pollution from untreated sewage, industrial waste, and encroachments are some of the primary issues affecting these fragile ecosystems. Of course, various initiatives are being undertaken to preserve and restore urban lakes across India. What can we, as individuals do to preserve these water bodies?
Actions to Preserve Urban Lakes and Ensure Sustainable Water Management:
- Education:
Education is the critical first step. Take the time to educate yourself and others about the importance of urban lakes, and their role in sustainable water management. Share informative articles and discuss how the decline of lakes directly affects our daily lives, from rising temperatures to water scarcity. By increasing awareness and knowledge, we can inspire a sense of urgency and commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems.
- Vocalization:
If you think as an individual, your changes are insignificant – think again! Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Speak up and share your concerns about the decline of urban lakes. Engage in discussions with friends, family, and colleagues, highlighting the impact of vanishing water bodies on our environment and communities. Encourage others to join the cause and raise their voices as well. Remember, even if one person is influenced to take action, it can create a ripple effect of change.
- Action:
It’s time to turn words into action. Get involved in organizations, initiatives, and programs that focus on water management and lake preservation. Join local lake cleanup drives, restoration projects, or community-led efforts. Support corporate initiatives or government programs aimed at protecting water bodies. DrinkPrime in Bengaluru has one every other month where we go on lake cleaning sprees and keep it open to the general public. In Chennai, Renault has taken up the initiative to protect 10 water bodies. The government too has multiple initiatives in place that you can be a part of. If no such initiatives exist, start a neighborhood club and rally your friends, family, and neighbors to come together and create your local program for lake preservation. Every small action collectively makes a significant difference in preserving these invaluable water bodies for a sustainable future.
With the alarming decline in the number of clean and usable lakes, individuals, communities, and authorities must take immediate action. By raising awareness, adopting responsible practices, supporting conservation efforts, and actively participating in initiatives, we can work towards preserving these water bodies.
Only through collective efforts and a strong commitment to sustainable practices can we secure a better future, where urban lakes thrive as vital sources of freshwater for generations to come.
