Discover the potential in you

By getting the Puttenahalli Lake rejuvenated, we have shown that it is indeed possible for ordinary citizens like us to effect a positive change to the community. However, our work has just begun and in order to execute our very many plans that will complete the transformation of the lake, we need your help. 

Please do not dismiss this mail as a "What do I know about all this?" or "I don't have the time..." etc. 

We did not get into lake conservation because we knew what to do but because we wanted to restore the lake come what may. We were aware that in the process we'd make mistakes in plenty but we were, and are, prepared to learn from them. We readily share our experience with anyone interested in reviving a lake anywhere in the city or elsewhere. It is only by all of us working together that we can hope to avert the water crisis looming over a city once called "The City of Lakes!"

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we appeal to all women to join us. Discover the hidden potential in you by being a part of this community initiative to nurture our immediate environment. You will make a difference not just to and for yourself but also for your family and society. 

Needless to say, this invitation is open all men and children too! Together let's celebrate "People's Day!!"

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Usha

PNLIT's Story Telling Session on 18th Jan 2014

Click to see larger size

Ashy Prinia @ Puttenahalli Lake (Pic: Kamal Hari Menon)

Once upon a time, near large apartment communities, an Ashy Prinia searched for a place to lay her eggs. 

The land was parched and dry and there wasn't a bush or tree in sight. 

Finally she found a depression in the ground and using her tiny claws she made a hole and laid her eggs. 

The eggs hatched and the Ashy Prinia took care of the babies until they were big enough to fly.

"Is that it?" you will enquire.

To which we will reply,
"No it isn't, dear one
Not by a long shot.
Our story has just begun,
Coots, Swamphens, Purple Herons
and many more, are yet to come."

PNLIT invites all the young ones and their families to a story telling session.

When: Saturday, 18th January 2014, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Where: Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore

What: A story based on "Who Owns the Water" by Deepa Balsavar (Tulika Publishers)

By Whom: Geetanjali Sarangan (narration, lyrics and music) and Raj (music)

Why: Because it's a story of our neigbourhood lake, by our neigbourhood residents and for our neigbourhood children!

Who can come: Anyone who likes a good yarn

Entry contribution: Rs. 50/- per child between the ages of 3 and 15 years. Free for others. Contributions will be accepted on the spot on 18th Jan 2014 @10:30 a.m. and will go towards hosting, the artists and PNLIT.
For further information please contact : sapana_rawat@yahoo.com (9880554136) or nupur21@gmail.com (9886629769)

Our aim is to foster a community feeling in the neighbourhood by conducting events such as this. Your support and participation is eagerly awaited.

Best,

The PNLIT Team

World Wetlands Day

Not many of us would know that today, 2nd February is observed as World Wetlands Day. On this day in 1971, the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance) was signed in Ramsar, Iran and the day has been officially celebrated since 1997.

The DNA, Bangalore today devoted an entire page of its newspaper to Bangalore's wetlands. Among other things, it makes mention of the efforts at Puttenahalli Lake and carries an interview with PNLIT's Usha Rajagopalan.

From the DNA article "Let's save our lakes"  

One of the biggest success stories of community-driven action was the rejuvenation of the Puttenahalli lake. Usha Rajagopalan, chairperson of the Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust, made it possible with a core group of five persons. As Rajagopalan avers, "With a group of 20-30, you can save the world." The Puttenahalli story went on to enjoy a sort of cult status....

Read the DNA newspaper article here

Read the interview with Usha here

The Ramsar Convention is based on the following premises:

* RECOGNIZING the interdependence of Man and his environment;

* CONSIDERING the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands as regulators of water regimes and as habitats supporting a characteristic flora and fauna, especially waterfowl;

* BEING CONVINCED that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value, the loss of which would be irreparable;

* DESIRING to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future;

* RECOGNIZING that waterfowl in their seasonal migrations may transcend frontiers and so should be regarded as an international resource;

* BEING CONFIDENT that the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured by combining far-sighted national policies with co-ordinated international action;

More related information can be found the on site of The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.