Sanmathi
1188, 3rd Cross, 26th Main, 1st
Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bangalore 560 078
08 March 1999
Arkavathy is one of the major
sources of water for Bangalore with about a third of the city's 50,00,000
population depending on this river basin for their water needs.
About a decade ago, a group
of businessman bought up over 400 acres of land in the Arkavathy watershed for
agricultural purposes, but soon turned it into a proposal for developing over
270 super luxury villas for the rich backed by DLF constructions of Delhi. Prof. Lakshmisagar, one of the few highly
respected politicians in Karnataka, protested this move and initiated a Public
Interest Litigation which won support of the High Court of Karnataka that
quashed the clearance granted to the project.
However, DLF appealed to the Supreme Court, which allowed their project.
In contrast to common expectations, even the Government run Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board has been foremost in their opposition to the project stating that should this project be allowed it is sure to cause serious pollution to the city’s water source. Leading watershed, planning and health experts have predicted serious deterioration of the sensitive watershed of the river, rampant urbanisation and very adverse impacts on public health if this project is allowed to go ahead.
People of Bangalore are
increasingly becoming vocal in protest against the project and the media has
provided leading support with various investigative stories. Should there be no response from the State
Government in stopping the project permanently, Bangalore citizens are sure to
blaze in saving Arkavathy.
On the International Day of
Action, Sanmathi, a well known women's group of Bangalore, that have led such
landmark protests as the Save Cubbon
Park Campaign, will mobilise citizens to make the 30 kms trip to the T. G.
Halli Reservoir where the Arkavathy is impounded. In a tremendous show of solidarity for Rivers, Water and Life,
the citizens will raise their protest against the lackadaisical attitude of the
Government by holding aloft "SAVE
ARKAVATHY SAVE BANGALORE" banners.
The campaigners and their families will then spend their day in the
beautiful locale, in demonstration of their resolve to resist any deterioration
of the Arkavathy basin. Over 200 people
from all walks of life are expected to gather in this protest.
The event will also initiate
Sanmathi’s mass mobilisation programme to involve thousands of people in
signature campaigns urging the Government to take action immediately to Save
Arkavathy from urbanisation and pollution and thus safeguard the citizens
future.
Dharma Somashekar
President