Arkavathi: Save Arkavathi, Save Bangalore

Background

In commemoration of the 1999 International Day of Action for Rivers, Water and Life of the International Rivers Network, ESG facilitated a citizens campaign against the decision of the Government of Karnataka to allow a massive luxury housing and recreation project of DLF Constructions in the watershed of River Arkavathi, providing about a third of Bangalore’s water supply. Sanmathi women’s group led this campaign with over 200 citizen groups and pressurised the Chief Minister of Karnataka to declare the area ecologically sensitive. Recently, the Government has proposed to declare an area of 10 kms radius of the Rivers watershed as no-development zone for all industrial and urban developments.

Current Situation

ESG continues to monitor the region for any developments.

Documentation

• Note on Arkavathy – April 1999
• Letter to Mr. J. H. Patel, Chief Minister of Karnataka – June 05, 1999

Articles

• “Govt withdraws nod for DLF colony” – Deccan Herald, June 8, 1999

Press Releases

• March 08, 1999: “Citizens’ Symbolic Protest to Save Arkavathy Save Bangalore”