Rivers & People: A Disconnect in Times of Scarcity

Creating a Space to Think, Ideate and Protect Rivers

Bengaluru, India’s economic engine, is a water-starved city. The Cauvery river, its lifeline, is drying up and severely polluted, while the Western Ghats forests, where its waters originate, are rapidly degrading. Yet, the government continues to push for unsound projects like the Mekedatu Dam and Yettinahole Drinking Water project, further damaging the rivers and forests that sustain us. Amid this, the city remains disconnected from its rivers, yet perpetually thirsty.

This session will begin with a discussion followed by songs about rivers sung by children and an English adaptation of Komal Swaminathan’s 1980 satirical Tamil play Thaneer Thaneer. Set in a drought-ridden village in Tamil Nadu, the play follows a stranger who helps the villagers harness water against political and natural challenges, showing the power of a community deeply connected to its water sources.

Paani.Earth, a citizen-led think tank, is dedicated to river conservation. The team will share their efforts to protect the rivers that sustain us. Through this session, they aim to foster a deep understanding and compassion for rivers — crucial for meaningful change.