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"A
Sustainable community safeguards itself while not damaging that of others.”
- IUCN/UNEP/WWF, 1991).
Community
living with urban development projects without the validation of Environmentally
Sound Technologies (ESTs) and Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) are a
reality in India, causing irreparable health, resources and ecological losses.
As a necessity, over 1300 local authorities have simultaneously embarked on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI,1997). These success stories have also affirmed the
feasibility of sustainable urban development with judicious management of water
and waste resources.
The
alternative urban future in developing countries by environmentally benign
strategies with community participation in making best use of local skills,
knowledge, culture and resources is essential for sustainable cities. Absence of
adequate participatory tools in urban planning, design and management can cause
disastrous economical and ecological impacts. These impacts could be
irreversible.
As
a departure from the conventional planning and management in developmental
projects, community participation as emphasised in Karnataka
Jalasamvardhana Yojana for development of lakes and tanks in Karnataka is
one such ongoing initiative. In the urban context, lakes and tanks restoration,
even though a priority, need comprehensive Environmental
Technology Validation and effective Community participation.
A few months back at Bangalore, a team of young, talented & ambitious professionals met and decided that they need to get together and do something constructive for the city of Bangalore. Thus, a voluntary initiative ”Project Agastya” was born under the 25/Bangalore Foundation and incubated by ICAMT/UNIDO.
Project Agastya, has
embarked upon Water Resources Management
in Bangalore. This Paper describes Vision and Agenda of Project
Agastya for Water Resources
Management at Bangalore. The initiative has specific impact on the restoration of
Lakes at Bangalore.
Address:
Project Agastya, "Sahana" 437, A&B Block
Double Road, Kuvempu Nagar
Mysore - 570 023.
Ph: 543135Fax: 544918 (PP)
E mail: jags_environs57@yahoo.com
