January 23, 2025
Regroup, Rejuvenate, Reclaim
As we enjoy another late breakfast, and by late, I mean 8:30 in the morning, we’re tasked with watching several videos and reading a few articles about Bengaluru’s water supply. Some of the ideas surround governance, pollution, lake restoration, and much more. We then participate in a role-playing activity in the afternoon, exploring the different stakeholder perspectives involved in Bengaluru’s water crisis and create an action plan for the city going forward.
While going through the assigned readings in the morning, I found myself making connections to future work with my GCIL partner organization, Biome, as well as my work experience in the wastewater sector back in Seattle. With Biome specifically, we have the opportunity to use GIS to examine groundwater contouring and also conduct research on the comparison of wastewater systems in the US and Bengaluru, which I am looking forward towards.
In the article “Where are Bengaluru’s Lakes?” in Frontline, I was able to continue learning about how so many of the lakes of Bengaluru had been lost to urbanization and the growing population. While there were 1,521 identifiable waterbodies in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Area (BMA) in 2018, by 2022, only 684 waterbodies remained and were recognized. The decline of the lakes in the city, accelerated in the 1980’s, when the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), started to drain the major lakes for development of the city. Farmers saw this occurring and also contributed to developing the land themselves. Projects such as housing, the Kempegowda Bus Stand, and sports complexes were one of the few things replacing the waterbodies. I even learned that in our own neighborhood of Banashankari, the streets we walk on were once Kadirenahalli Lake.
After another top tier BMS lunch, we were heading to the classroom and stopped to kick around a football for a few minutes. Suddenly inspiration struck: we should go to the Bengaluru FC versus Odisha FC game tonight!
While planning to go to the game, I thought about the article I had just read earlier describing how the Sampangi Lake was transformed Kanteerva Sports Complex, coincidently right in the middle of the city and where BFC now plays their matches. As we walk up to the stadium, two men with paintbrushes immediately come towards us. He holds up the brush to my face, exclaimed “100 rupees,” and honestly, I smile, laughed, and said “why not”! Moments later, we have the BFC shield painted on our faces, now showing some team spirit!
During the game, the atmosphere felt perfect. It reminded me of so many other matches I’ve been to, making me feel right at home. We experience drums beating so loud, I could feel it in my chest and countless fans cheering on the home team. Despite the early two goal lead by BFC, a red card was given, and we eventually lost 3-2. The stadium and fans, however, maintained high energy throughout. It was a great experience that I’ll look back fondly on during my time in Bengaluru.
Throughout the game, I couldn’t stop thinking about how the exact stadium we sat in was once a part of Sampangi Lake. BFC’s new mantra “Regroup, Rejuvenate, Reclaim,” resonated with me. While BFC has hope of reclaiming the title of the Indian Super League (ISL), others aspire to reclaim and preserve the lakes of the BMA. Both, quite, crucial in their own regards.
From now on, as I walk these streets, I’ll be remembering the lakes that once were, along with all of those that have been diminished. I’ll think about the need for the preservation of the remaining 684 lakes in the BMA.
By,
Chloe
