Edition #38
January 2025
The question leaders have asked is:
How can we galvanise more groups for demonstrable action on localised solution models. How do we stop people from implementing solutions like recharging of deep borewells only because a client seeks it. Well-known 5-star hotels, who claim to be ‘responsible’ when it gets to offering their guests comfort and luxury, shrug their shoulders when asked to go beyond what the Groundwater Tribunal asks them to do for the water they draw from borewells in their hotel premises. They ‘comply’ with recharge pits dug in schools and other such public places that are willing to have such pits. School principals ask them if instead of recharging the pits, such rainwater harvested from school rooftops can be used for drinking. The hotel officers say, No. ‘We will do only what GWT asks.”
How do we stop homes and apartments doing only the small bit for complying with regulations and to go the whole hog of securing Net Zero Water solutions that offer such high savings on water costs, while offering them clean and safe drinking water? The full benefit of water harvest or treat-and-reuse is simply not understood. Water-users remain indifferent or unwilling to even listen and understand the major financial positive impact it will have on their apartments or offices.
What campaigns can be run to get people to see the obvious advantages of these solutions? And if such campaigns are possible, who do we reach it to and how?
RainReach : Inspiring Children and Teachers into Water Action – JANUARY 2025
The Death knell for 50 Rivers?
What is RainReach?
RainReach is a program of eco-education for school-going children.
Our Mission is Education of children through RainReach to ensure water conservation becomes a habit and solves the water problem by the next generation. We have here in this edition - and every month — lots of picture stories to present the story that’s unfolding every month.
Our mission is also to take Education on water for children, for adults, for technical people, in water and in technologies for treating water or harnessing water…
How can children learn how to save sensibly, how to recycle, harvest and manage the water cycle. How can we build a generation of water-wise young Indians? How can our schools and children inspire other neighbouring buildings, homes and offices. RainReach guides with constant contact and help for the children.
We take to schools simple measures that help them understand how we need to treasure this precious liquid. As children move into their lives as adults, water will need to be entirely differently addressed.
It encourages learning-by-doing for kids of age 12-16 years with support from teachers and water industry volunteers or Water Mentors.
We aim to reach 50 schools in Bangalore. That is a start. But that is a large and formidable initiative and will depend on how we all work together – water mentors, faculty, and children.
The academic year is heading to a close. AltTech Foundation’s Mahesh and team are ready to educate children on the installation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and other water aspects where we all can make a positive impact.
At RainReach, says Mahesh, “We are committed to making meaningful change and enhancing their educational experience.”
RainReach Water Mentor or Jal Swajal Programme
Mahesh has kick-started the exciting RainReach campaign at many schools.
Check this fascinating set of pictures and caption stories... You will then want to be part of the Water Mentors Programme.
Government High School Hebbal
Smt. Chandrakala, HM of Hebbal Government High School, interacted with the guest speaker of the session and his interns. She introduced them formally to the students.
The guest speaker, Mr. Siju Thomas Daniel, is a professional in the environment sector and school education. Through his firm, he contributes significantly to environmental sustainability by donating a large number of plants and distributing seeds during the rainy season. He served as the environmental speaker for this session.
These young minds are also part of the journey, actively involved and sharing their opinions. The images showcase their enthusiasm and potential for meaningful work.
The guest speaker Mr Daniel began their wonderful talk with the students by discussing rainwater conservation and environmental topics
The students were also actively engaged, listening attentively as the guest speaker held their focus. It was a two-way interaction with meaningful participation from the students.
The students come from different educational backgrounds and experiences. They also shared their concerns about water and the environment.
The interns are answering students' queries and concerns
As the session came to an end, the teachers and guests thanked the students. They assured them that they would engage again in the future to address water concerns.
Government High School Vidyaranyapura
Continuing our weekly awareness and training sessions, January saw two weekends filled with activities. The first was a soft session at a Govt High School in Vidyaranyapura, to the North of Bangalore.
This is a unique planned drive aimed at reaching students on topics such as rainwater harvesting (RWH), the environment, and urban planning. It encourages young minds to engage in shaping the future. The session was held at Vidyaranyapura School, where teacher Mrs. Jyothi introduced the interns—Ruchita, Sindhu, and Amulya.
Amulya began the session with a greeting and introduced the topic of rainwater harvesting and urban planning. She led the first session for the students
As part of our drive, we expected a similar outcome, and the pictures reflect it—students actively came forward, engaging in discussions on environmental concerns
After the first session, Ruchita came forward to interact with the students, discussing water conservation and their small roles and responsibilities in protecting nature
Finally, Smt. Jyothi came forward to conclude the program and thanked the students for their wonderful participation. Both the teachers and students were happy with the session.
As part of our SOFT session with students in different schools, we conclude the program with an oath on water conservation. Here, the students are taking their oath to protect and conserve water.
As part of our SOFT session with students in different schools, we conclude the program with an oath on water conservation. Here, the students are taking their oath to protect and conserve water.
Government High School Hebbal
Another session saw members of CRISP, or the Council for Realty Infrastructure and Services Promotion, engaging with another government school in Hebbal, again to the North of Bangalore.
Mr Prabhakar, CRISP member, talking to students on the importance of water conservation.
Students were glued as Mr Prabhakar took them through different aspects of conserving water.
Mr Prabhakar, along with students, taking the pledge to conserve water.
Mr Prabhakar distributing pens to students who interacted with CRISP members during the workshop.
The Death knell for 50 Rivers?
Pune sees this week a major Chipko-like margh on Feb 9, Sunday, reminds WOW Forum leader, Kapil Agarwal. Reason? The major River Front Development project in Pune that stretches 44km with the two flanks of the rivers Mula and Mutha making for 88km, subject to wanton destruction by the city’s babus and politicians. The plan is to spend 4700 Cr on a ‘development’ that will pour concrete and decrease the width of the two rivers. This will mean cutting several thousands of of riparian trees. Out of this whopping ‘budget’ nothing is allocated for cleaning the river’s waters, or for bioremediation. All of it is just for ‘beautification’.
To non-Punekars, Mula and Mutha are rivers passing through the centre of Pune city bifurcating the PMC and PCMC areas. The official version from the PMC is that it is ‘a comprehensive initiative’ aimed at reducing floods, creating inviting public spaces, and ‘improving the quality of water’. Some say the project's embankments are too high and could obstruct stormwater flow. Others say the project's design could narrow the river basin and change the natural river ecology.
Pic 01 : Pune's rivers are not easily accessible. In the areas that are already developed, there are very few points where one can approach the Rivers. While along most of its length, the banks are lined by private properties making the River inaccessible for citizens.
Punekars view it vehemently differently. Says Kedar Champhekar, an activist leading from the front, “It is more about creating land for construction than cleaning and rejuvenating the rivers whose debilitated ecosystems are crying for attention. The glaring contradictions between the Detailed Project Report and the EnvironmSent Impact Assessment report point to impending destruction of the rivers.” Unwilling to take this lying down, armed with information and passion, Punekars are fighting back every inch.
A report in QuestionofCities says, “It is more about creating land for construction than cleaning and rejuvenating the rivers whose debilitated ecosystems are crying for attention. The glaring contradictions between the Detailed Project Report and the Environment Impact Assessment report point to impending destruction of the rivers. Unwilling to take this lying down, armed with information and passion, Punekars are fighting back every inch.”
It goes on add, “It is more about creating land for construction than cleaning and rejuvenating the rivers whose debilitated ecosystems are crying for attention. The glaring contradictions between the Detailed Project Report and the Environment Impact Assessment report point to impending destruction of the rivers. Unwilling to take this lying down, armed with information and passion, Punekars are fighting back every inch.”
To make people aware and push government not to do, we are doing a Chipko march on Sunday 9th Feb 3:30pm , Near Jupiter Hospital, Pune, lead by https://www.jeevitnadi.org / https://puneriverrevival.com/.
Treating Rivers and Lakes
Bhaskar, another WOW leader, has been advocating for some time a zero-capital-cost phytoremediation option that enhances the Dissolved Oxygen in flowing rivers or in stagnating and festering lakes.
Pic 02: PMC’s riverfront development project gains traction..
Pic 03: Rivers and Nallahs in Pune
The Kumbh and the Jain tenets
Nirvikalpa, another long-time WOW member reflected on the eve of the Kumbh mela at Prayagraj, “Sanitation is multilayered. Most vernacular slang 'swear words' refer to the many communities that are traditionally in sanitation. 'Bhangis' being one of the many examples. I had recently attended a seminar in Bombay about occupational health and hazards of sanitation workers in India. There was a lady there who has worked with such communities for over 30 years in Gujarat. One of the examples she gave was from Surat, where dry toilets are still in use, especially in Jain communities. One of the reasons, she said, that dry toilets are still prevalent is because Jain munis don't want to 'flush' their shit down, as it might kill the bacteria and pathogens that are part of their faeces. They would rather somebody else carry shit on their heads, than flush it down!
“Similar stories are coming out of the Maha Kumbh where the waste of over 60 million people is being taken care of by less than 300 people...
“There was a study done in 2016 on the state of the Ganga (Bhagirathi) in Gangotri. The water there, too, was unfit for drinking! I have myself seen the amount of raw sewage being dumped directly into the Ganga from Gangotri downwards, all the way to Haridwar (from all the tributaries of Ganga).”
Adds Ravalji: ‘Jainism is a five thousand year old, and has survived and kicking. Tirthankers were environmental scientists of the highest order. Their preaching (not followed by the Jain community today) is beyond debate. They never flush excreta, but bury in soil. Be it a dog, a small cat or large carnivores in wild life, they always cover faeces with soil.
“Kumbh history is 2000 years old with no report of it as an epicenter of any epidemic. Cities are a constant source of pandemics, just in case you want to go beyond press reports.”
Is there a lesson there for city sanitation that can be adapted given habits and challenges?
Can Newsmen Turn to “Slow Journalism”
Ron Feemster, challenged our approach to water journalism. He said, "Journalists are good at fast-moving stories. We are having trouble with the story of running out of water quickly, because we didn't cover this story slowly, a story that's been going on for decades."
Environmental stories need a different reporting timeline. Fast-breaking coverage misses the bigger picture. Fast-breaking coverage misses the bigger picture. Slow journalism reveals patterns we've long ignored. Ron comes from three decades of environmental reporting and his experience reshapes how we view water scarcity. Quick headlines can’t capture environmental decline, he says. Journalism must evolve to tell Earth’s story in a very different way, to capture the attention of people in a way that we bring transformational change. It is, seriously, time to rethink, how we cover our planet’s future.
16 Ways to Make for Slow Journalism
A bunch of strategic directions and tasks emerged from the meeting led by Ron Feemster. Some of them that need attention from WOW members and anyone who is interested in getting the message firmly across to every water-user are listed here.
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Explore ways to make water scarcity stories more personal and relatable to readers.
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Develop skills for "slow journalism" to better cover long-term issues like water scarcity and climate change.
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Advocate for the creation of trusted institutions to provide unbiased data on water issues for public discourse and policymaking.
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Consider establishing platforms similar to the Solutions Journalism Network or The Conversation in India to translate research into accessible journalism.
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Research and propose new storytelling approaches to make water scarcity issues more engaging and personal for readers.
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Explore using social media and short-form content to communicate water issues, given people's shortened attention spans.
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Implement a "solutions journalism" approach to water scarcity coverage, focusing on potential solutions and problem-solving efforts.
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Investigate opportunities to develop podcasts or other audio content on water issues to reach a wider audience.
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Seek out and interview people directly affected by water scarcity to add more personal stories to reporting.
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Compile examples of effective water scarcity reporting from various sources for further discussion.
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Organize a follow-up discussion on disruptive storytelling techniques in journalism.
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Explore and share examples of effective science communication in various media formats, including podcasts and radio shows.
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Teach students how to distinguish between credible news sources and unverified information on social media.
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Learn more about how journalists think to present stories in a way that will attract editors' attention.
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Reflect on the discussion and consider ways to improve scientific literacy and temper in journalism in respective areas of influence.
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Anyone who will want to take this up? Well, how do we include this part of study for every student of journalism and Humanities?
The Satara Lady’s Tryst with Trees
In a new format for WOW Action Forum, Mrinalini Nigde, Mission Director of WOW, based in Navi Mumbai, and Country head for Global Tree Initiative, invited Sandhya Chaugule of the Hirwai Foundation in Satara for an unusual interview to weave the fascinating and inspiring story of the lady from Satara and her trust with trees.
Sandhya shared her journey of transforming a dump yard into a jungle, starting from a young age. She emphasized the importance of community relationships and the support she received from women and girls. She also highlighted her efforts in planting trees in villages with varying rainfall levels, and the challenges she faced in promoting water conservation.
Mrinalini and Sandhya shared their personal experiences and insights on resilience and motivation. Sandhya recounted her grandmother's story of overcoming poverty and adversity through determination and hard work. She also shared her own experiences of facing challenges and setbacks, including threats to vacate her land and theft of her library's furniture. Despite these difficulties, she remained committed to her work and continued to nurture her trees and library. She also highlighted the importance of human connections and good people who supported her during tough times.
Nanditha, an urban planning professor, expressed interest in documenting this program. Mamtha proposed the use of Kaveri Gel for water conservation, which she planned to discuss with Gopalji. Alan and Adrian shared their experiences with traditional methods and their work with farmers. The team agreed to work on a research paper integrating traditional and modern methods. Sandhya emphasized the importance of leading by example and reaching out to people through various channels such as local newspapers, radio channels, and social gatherings.
Kedareswar, a leader of an NGO in Odisha, shared his experiences working with poorer communities, particularly women, and the challenges he faced, including resistance from politicians and caste-based issues. He emphasized the importance of economic empowerment of women and the need to replicate successful projects across different districts. Mrinalini then shared a quote about understanding and empathy in relationships, and proposed creating research projects with experts like Sandeep. Santana suggested that the team should be more introspective and recognize the importance of catalyzing social change.
CRISP Doubles Resolve to Deepen Green Charge
The meeting focused on the potential for collaboration between WOW Action Forum and CRISP, an organization focused on reality infrastructure and service promotion, The discussion centred around sustainability efforts and the implementation of green initiatives.
The team explored challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainable practices into their work, particularly in rented premises, and considered the potential for utilizing land more effectively and engaging employees in organic farming.
How do building professionals work on created a structured approach for implementing sustainability initiatives across different types of facilities and share their knowledge with the WOW members and with such others across industry, was at the centre of this discussion. Can we consider making sustainability methodologies, measurements, and digital tools open source for wider adoption?
Asha Accamma discussed the sustainability efforts made at one company which brought focus on the 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 53%. Implementation of space utilization and flexible office environments, reduction in business travel, and the use of 100% renewable electricity in their operations, took centre-stage in operations. The company's carbon compensation effort, including investments in coal and biochar projects for rooftop farming brought heartening results. A Net Zero U2 program spread awareness among employees and support for carbon-funding projects. Composting, organic gardening, and waste management were part of the initiatives taken up in this office of about 1200 workers.
Sustainable gastronomy was another major feature that the Company adopted. This focused on reducing carbon emissions from food operations. The reduction of single-use disposables, ‘portion control’ on how much a person loads on to the plate at the dining hall, and the introduction of a vegan day [to sensitise people to the high water use of meats] and plant-based milk counters were part of these initiatives the team led.
Asha said the company also tracks food waste and has reduced this significantly. She emphasized the importance of local sourcing and traditional farming methods. There were challenges faced in replacing premium cuts with whole chicken and the introduction of sustainable wild-caught fish. The restaurant kitchen run by this Bangalore based facility has recorded the lowest in carbon emissions among all restaurants in the organization worldwide. Asha also talked of how real-time dashboards helped to monitor progress and the ongoing efforts to reduce emissions through food operations has been an important part of the green initiative.
How do we engage employees in the process of reducing the company's carbon footprint, and incentivize their efforts? An app was devised to calculate employees' carbon footprint and assigns actions with monetary rewards. These are initiatives, any company could take to with a spot of volunteering effort from a handful of committed officers.
Systems Thinking in Water Management
This WOW discussion brought leaders who highlighted the need for systems thinking and the role of AI in understanding water systems. How do we keep the spotlight on the challenges faced by water systems in different regions and the potential for treating wastewater to drinking grade water? The need for better communication and coordination among experts in different fields, and the importance of education and community involvement in water management has a central role. All this essentially means the need for standardization in data from field level devices, the importance of water quality and management, and the potential for learning from local examples.
Mary introduced the Thinkwater team from Cornell University, which aims to educate people on the different parts and roles of water systems to operate more efficiently. She highlighted the importance of systems thinking and the role of artificial intelligence in understanding the total system. Mary also introduced the panelists, including Mordecai Feldman, an expert in water loss management, Susan Springsteen, who runs H2O Connected, a leak detection organization, and Chakri Uni, an ecosystem entrepreneur. Mordecai discussed the challenges faced by water systems in different regions, such as India and Israel. He emphasized the importance of regulation, maintenance, and extension of the system according to the extension of the city and population. Mordecai also mentioned the role of desalination in Israel due to water scarcity. Susan focused on the microsystem within buildings, particularly the issue of leaking toilets. She highlighted the significant amount of water wasted through leaking toilets and the economic impact it has on water and sewer bills. Susan also mentioned that the EPA's estimate of 20% of toilets leaking is a huge underestimation. Chakradhar emphasized the importance of digitalization in managing water assets and tracking water movement in clouds and rivers. He also mentioned the potential for treating wastewater to drinking grade water.
Chakradhar discussed the challenges of managing water resources, emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary approach and the importance of understanding the unseen aspects of water management. He also highlighted the need for better communication and coordination among experts in different fields. Mordecai shared his experience with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and its role in setting standards for water management. Susan discussed the importance of education and the need for a positive return on investment for water conservation initiatives. Chakradhar further emphasized the need for visceral understanding and responsibility in managing water resources. The group also discussed the potential for using non-potable water for flushing toilets and the importance of education in promoting water conservation.
Mary initiated a discussion on how to educate and engage the youth in managing water systems, with a focus on India. Chakradhar shared Aarti's work with the youth, which involved working with educators across seven states in India. He emphasized the importance of community-level education and peer pressure in resource sharing. Apala shared her experiences with youth motivation and the challenges of water management in India. B.K. Prasad discussed the inefficiency of water usage in agriculture and the need for better maintenance. Mordecai asked about the efficiency of agriculture water usage, and B.K. confirmed it was very poor. Mamtha suggested introducing farming practicals in schools to educate children about water management.
Ajay Singh raised the issue of lack of standardization in data from field level devices, which hinders cross-platform compatibility. Mordecai confirmed that there isn't a standard yet, but a new standard is being developed. The team agreed on the need for standardization to facilitate data aggregation and improve the overall water management system. Mary suggested that the team should work together to address these issues and possibly create an IBIS graph for better understanding and collaboration. The team also discussed the importance of stakeholder collaboration and the need for context-specific solutions for water management. Susan emphasized the importance of starting with smaller aspects and focusing on education to achieve the desired results.
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Alt. Tech Foundation is a not-for-profit, for-industry Foundation for
(i) Hosting city-wide campaigns for citizen collective action to save water & energy,
(ii) Producing green managers and leaders
(iii) Arming and equipping schoolchildren with water practices of the future.
WOW Action Forum is a globally pioneering effort for bringing collective private action to save very large quantities of water at apartments, at Industry, at tech parks, or hotels and hospitals or malls and other such buildings. The 2021 mission is set to save 1000 Cr lites with community-led action. This alone will bring a saving of 236 Cr in electricity bills for the city, and a reduction in carbon emission of nearly 300,000 tonnes equivalent.
WOW is a vibrant community of concerned citizens, volunteers, and supporters who share a common goal – to safeguard our precious water resources for future generations. By becoming a WOW member, you can actively participate in our initiatives, engage in meaningful discussions, and contribute to practical solutions for water-related challenges.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that can truly change the world!
Visit our website today and sign up for WOW membership : https://www.alttech.foundation/