Visit to Kaggaladu

For those unaware about the village Kaggaladu, and the special interest it bears with migratory birds like the Painted Stork and the Grey Heron, kindly read this from an earlier post titled "Kaggaladu - Habitat conservation". (http://letsintegrateforenvironment.blogspot.com/2009/07/kaggaladu-habitat-conservation.html)

It had been almost a year or more since members of LIFE visited this village. This visit is something we'd been planning for a few months. On the 20th of September, 2009, we made our visit, which we hope would be the first of a long and sustained effort to restore the sanctuary and the lakes of the village.

Our first concern was to check if the five trees on which the birds were nesting last year were still around. Thankfully, they were safe and sound. We spent an hour there talking to the local panchayat members (local governance) about the lakes, the bird population over the year and the efforts of the forest department and other interested groups. It appears that the forest department has been responsive and that the bird population this year was very good.

We didnt sight any of the above mentioned birds though, as this is not the season. We feel that working off-season with the villagers will help build rapport, as this is very essential for sustained activity.

Some watershed development activity has taken place, but the lake still is not able to get recharged fully, so this is another area we will be working on slowly with the concerned department.

When we visit next time, the agenda will be more focussed and it will be a fact finding mission. When we get hard data from the villagers and the government bodies, we'll be in a better position to plan out the events. Also, we plan to involve the local children in the efforts. There are plans to help initiate a library and art facility at the school.

The villagers were cordial and showed their concern for the birds, but it was clear that they do face problems with water availability and poverty. Our efforts will be directed toward holistic sustainable development of the village for the people and the winged visitors.

Team members who went: Swapna, Harsha, Adithya and Shreeshail

Date of visit: 20.09.2009

Kindly find few pics at:

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/sredir?uname=lets.integrate.for.environment&target=ALBUM&id=5385038313775229873&authkey=Gv1sRgCI7FsrS-htT_7gE&feat=email

Contact us at: lets.integrate.for.environment@gmail.com

Environmental groups in Bangalore

There are several groups doing great work in Bangalore in the fields of Environmental protection and improvement, conservation, education, animal rights, sustainable development and waste management. Many of these groups are genuinely concerned about the state of our environment and work tirelessly. In our experience we have had the opportunity to meet many of these groups to get to know more about their work. Given below are the names of these groups, with brief description and contact details. We recommend that you consider these NGOs if you are thinking of donating or volunteering with.

Environment Support Group (ESG):

They’ve been working for over a decade in Bangalore. Areas of focus have been research, advocacy and education. They have a bunch of dedicated and energetic members who are really inspiring. More details at www.esgindia.org

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA):

They too have a long history of working in Bangalore, their services include ambulance and veterinary clinic. They also have a home/shelter for stray animals. More details at http://www.cupabangalore.org/

Arghyam

This group is concentrating on improving the water situation in Bangalore, by supporting rain water harvesting, and they are also involved in training and awareness raising. They have simple kits for water testing which even lay people can use. More details at http://www.arghyam.org/

Saahas

This group works on waste segregation, management and recycling. They give trainings and also help in planning waste management strategies for organizations. Issues like e-waste and plastics are also taken up. More details at http://www.saahas.org/

Trees for Free

This group mainly concentrates on one activity, planting trees in and around Bangalore. Most planting programs are during the weekend. Money donated is used for planting trees. More details at www.treesforfree.org

Greenpeace

This group has a global presence. The advantage of supporting a group like this is that they do great work on international issues and, do quality research and also have the might to take on corporate atrocities. Their presence in Bangalore is not very active but since the environment is one for the entire world, they are another group one can volunteer with or donate to.

Citizen matters

Citizen matters is a Bangalore focused and citizen-oriented news publication. They publish in-depth news, analysis, features, opinions, and information/event listings, covering city public affairs, community and culture in our city. Citizen Matters is published by Oorvani Media, an independent local media firm founded by Bangaloreans Subramaniam Vincent and Meera K. They encourage citizens, professionals and journalists to get involved in city affairs, reporting, collaborating on, analysing, and proposing ideas and solutions. More details at http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/

Ride a cycle foundation (RAC-F)

If you’re concerned about issues of transport, cycling and sustainable urban development, you should check out the initiatives of RACF. Do visit their website http://rideacycle.org/?page_id=6. Also join the cycling groups at critical mass every month (www.criticalmassbangalore.blogspot.com ) .

Socare Ind

Socare Ind as part of its social activity, manages a home for children born to convincts serving life-term in the Karnataka state's jail system. Socare Ind takes comprehensive care of the children by giving them boarding, lodging, health, education, training etc. free of cost. All the children are admitted to a good school nearby for their education. http://www.socare.org

Nele

Nele is the home for street children, rag pickers and destitute children. http://www.nele.org.in/

RK foundation

Old cloth/books / food donation can be given to this group. The foundation tries to bridge the gap between people and non governmental organizations involved in services relating to health care and related services. As of now the activities are restricted to Karnataka. Gradually the foundation aims to become part of the local resources mobilization network with various service minded institutions like hospitals, vocational training institutions and others to promote efficient & effective charity. http://www.rkfoundation.org/

Pet animals

Stray dog adoption, animal birth control (ABC), awareness etc. http://www.soactindia.com/

Pet’s adoption

http://letslivetogether.wordpress.com/