2000-2001
 


Eco-Watch initiated the ‘Urban Forestry Project’ in the year 2000 in Bangalore. The project was implemented by the centre in 200 acres of land belonging to the Army A.S.C. centre, Airport road.

It was inaugurated by the then Worshipful Mayor of Bangalore Sri Ramachandrappa.  The Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri. S.M. Krishna visited the project area and planted a Neem sapling. He also assured all support towards the project.

The Project has been supported by the Forest Department, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Horticulture wing, Bangalore City Corporation & other Government and Private agencies.

   
 


Eminent personalities such as Sri. Mohan Dharia (former Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission of India) also visited the project area and has commended the efforts under taken by Eco-Watch. Massive Afforestation work has been taken up at the project site wherein a variety of tree species are being planted. A number of fruit and flower bearing tree species, commercially  beneficial species and so on have been planted at the site.

Community Participation:

Any major Afforestation or forestry programme needs to be supported by the community. Therefore community participation plays a major role in such projects. Some of the participants of the project are mentioned below:

Students from Christ College, St. Joseph’s college, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, NCC, NSS, Scouts & Guides and other Institutes and organisations have also participated during various stages of the project.

Organisations such as Lions Club, Rotary, etc., have also been a part of the project. Corporates such as Systelec Engineering, Hical Magnetics, Intel and others have supported the project.

  
 
 


Environmental Awareness and Education programme was conducted for nearly 2000 students from Scouts & Guides belonging to various Schools of Bangalore and surrounding areas. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Karnataka Compost Development Corporation, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd, Karnataka Cleaner Production Centre & others participated in the event. Students were exposed to Noise level monitoring by Decibel meter from KSPCB; Importance of organic manure and vermicomposting by KCDC, Alternate sources of Energy (Solar Energy) by KREDL, Cleaner production and Technologies by KCPC.

Apart from these programmes a world-renowned environmental scientist from Canada named Jack Valentine also known as Johnny Biosphere presented a variety of programmes to the children about different aspects of environment, wildlife, flora, fauna, etc. An Audio-presentation from him was very well received and appreciated.

  
 
 

A Medicinal Plant Garden was initiated at the Urban Forestry Project site, which was inaugurated by Sri K.H. Ranganath, the Honorable Minister for Forest and Environment. Students from Ramana Maharshi Academy for the Blind participated in the programme and planted a few rare and medicinal species, along with the minister.

 
 
 


“Rainwater Harvesting & Water Management”

Rainwater harvesting techniques and methodologies were executed at Grasim Research Farm, to create a lake in about two acres of the Research Farm. Rainwater collecting & feeding channels, feeder gullies, percolation pits and high-rise bunds were constructed to collect, channelise and store Rainwater. A pond was aslo created which is now being used as a source of water to this farm.

Four major wells that were dry for the last 30 years were rejuvenated through water management and rainwater harvesting techniques . The water collected in these wells is now being used for domestic purposes, cleaning, gardening and for other routine activities in the farm.

  
 
 

Another Rainwater Harvesting project was undertaken for a factory (Sahyadri Starch and Chemicals Ltd) in Peenya Industrial area, Bangalore. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting was implemented and executed in this factory and the collected Rainwater was recharged to the underground to enhance and improve the underground water table around the factory premises.
 
 
 


Environmental Awareness & Education programme was conducted for APS School at the Eco-Watch Centre near Bannerghatta National Park. Various literary activities and Adventure activities were carried out during the programme. The students then staged a play on threats to the wildlife and its adverse impact on mankind.

The famous religious leader of Gadag Dr. Siddhalinga Mahaswamy launched an awareness campaign at Dambal on 16th Nov 2000. The programe was inaugurated by Dr. Siddhalinga Mahaswamy, the local M.L.A, Sri. S.S.Patil along with Sri. Suresh Heblikar. The swamiji himself has cultivated vast areas by means of drip irrigation, which is a standing example for the villagers to take up measures in water conservation. Sri.S.S. Patil, who himself is a man committed towards overall development in the region has supported such activities in the past and promises to continue his efforts in improving the environmental & ecological conditions in the years to come. Mr. Heblikar later addressed the public gathering regarding key environmental issues faced by areas such as Gadag, which falls under the arid zone of the state.