To attain our objective, we need to develop innovative ways to promote awareness of eco-friendly practices, as traditional means of promoting awareness do not necessarily translate into any major developments/actions.

Effective development and management of water resources are essential for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in all developing countries. The challenge of water resources management has become acute for many nations, as water scarcity grows, quality declines, environmental and social concerns mount; and the threats posed by floods and droughts are exacerbated by climate change.

The World Bank learned about the necessity of incorporating not just technical and economic considerations, but social and environmental factors into the design and operation of hydraulic infrastructure. We have also learned that water management is about much more than simply building and operating infrastructure, that it also includes the development of an enabling legal framework and institutions for management of both the quantity and quality of water in basins and aquifers. Non-structural measures, such as water rights administration, allocation mechanisms, and information systems, must be incorporated as well.

In most developing countries there is simultaneously an urgent need for more environmentally and socially sustainable management of water resources, and for developing and maintaining the stock of small and large water infrastructure needed for growth and poverty reduction. Secondly, it is equally clear that development and management of water resources is a slow and highly time consuming process.

This consensus states that modern water resources management should be based on three fundamental principles (known as “the Dublin Principles”). First there is the ecological principle, which argues that independent management of water by different water-using sectors is not appropriate, that the river basin must become the unit of analysis, that land and water need to be managed together, and that much greater attention needs to be paid to the environment. Second is the institutional principle, which argues that water resources management is best done when all stakeholders participate, including the state, the private sector and civil society; that women need to be included; and that resource management should respect the principle of subsidiarity, with actions taken at the lowest appropriate level. Third is the instrument principle, which argues that water is a scarce resource, and that greater use needs to be made of incentives and economic principles in improving allocation and enhancing quality.

The above study, as well as our experience also points out that other ecological factors, such as, Housekeeping, Supply Chain Management, Waste Disposal/recycling, Manufacturing Process, etc., all influence the Water Resources Management of a unit.

In the light of this knowledge, a few of our members suggested a unique way to create awareness among the stakeholders of Water Resources Management in Bangalore.

THE OBJECTIVE :

The objective of this Programme is:

a. To create awareness among the Public & the Corporate on the scope of eco-friendly practices, and their benefits.

b. To introduce new knowledge, technologies & partnerships to the Public & the Corporate of Bangalore.

c. To encourage the Public & the Corporate to adopt Eco-friendly Practices & Technologies.

d. To create a standard workable Policy for the consumers of Water Resources.

e. To help the regulators develop effective Policies/use a referral source while developing Policies.

DETAILS :

This Programme involves identifying units that can be developed into model units for eco-adaptability, clean/efficient practices/technologies, efficient utilities & waste management, good housekeeping practices, etc.
The technical team of Project Agastya would help in transforming & maintaining the standards of these units. They would act as a showcase for the media, public, the industry & the policy makers to refer, plan & implement eco-friendly programmes & practices.
This Project involves domestic units, industry units, Educational & Research institutions, the stakeholders of water resources in Bangalore & the Policy makers.
We have also developed an initiative to bring other like-minded individuals & Organisations together & work as a team.
In association with the public, bilateral agencies, Government depts., Civic bodies, Financial Institutions, etc.
This would benefit the Industry, Government agencies, Civic bodies, the domestic consumers, investors acquire cleaner technology/techniques & there by improve their efficiency.
A Standard Symbol to identify the model units would be developed in consultation with the various Partners of the Project.
Certificates/ Mementos can also be considered.
A system of reporting, appraisal & audit has to be developed & followed.
A MoU would be signed with the consenting party for better control over the Programme.
There would be a series of Public Relations activities & Press releases in relation with this Programme.

THE TARGET AUDIENCE :

This programme would be represented by the various stake-holders of the Water Resources, the Civic authorities, the Corporate, the Consumers of Water Resources (both domestic & commercial), Educational & Research Institutions, Bilateral/Multilateral agencies, and other like-minded individuals, Organisations & NGOs.

What we can offer to our Partners :

Tremendous Goodwill by being associated with our Initiative.
Publicity in the media.
Logos &/or Name would appear in limited publicity materials, banners, backdrops*, etc.
An opportunity to network with a large number of NGOs, individuals & Organisations working in Sustainable Development in the domains of Urban development, energy & Water, as well as Educational & Research institutions.
An opportunity to showcase your range of products & services to your target audience.

* Conditions Apply.

OUR PARTNERS :

In addition to UNIDO-ICAMT & the 25/Bangalore Foundation, Project Agastya shall consider Partnering with a few select organisations, viz.,

1. The Depts. of Ecology & Environment, Industries & Commerce, Urban development, GoK.

2. BWSSB, KSPCB, KUIDFC, BMP, CWC, etc.

3. The FKCCI/CII/GMCI, KDPMA, The Institution Engineers (India), Bangalore Chapter etc.

4. Financial Institutions & Funding agencies.

5. Lions/Rotary Clubs/Residential Associations.

6. Bilateral/Multilateral Agencies.

7. Individuals/Corporate bodies/ Organisations willing to sponsor the Programme.

The above Proposal is only indicative, and could be modified after considering inputs from our other members & advisors.

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