A large protest has been planned at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on October 10 to raise concerns over the protection of the Western Ghats and three important rivers, Bedti, Aghanashini and Gangavali.
The protest is being organised by a coalition of groups working on the conservation of the Bedti and Aghanashini river valleys. The organisers have appealed to farmers, women, workers, young people, cooperative sector representatives, environmental activists and other sections of society to take part in the demonstration.
The programme is scheduled to begin at 10 am. Organisers are also making a special appeal to people from Uttara Kannada, Malnad and coastal Karnataka who now live in Bengaluru to attend the gathering.
The campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks, with meetings and outreach programmes being held to mobilise public support. A recent meeting in Bengaluru discussed preparations for the October 10 programme and efforts to involve different sections of society.
At the centre of the campaign are the Bedti, Aghanashini and Gangavali river systems. Environmental groups and local organisations have raised concerns about projects that they believe could alter the natural flow of these rivers or affect the surrounding Western Ghats ecosystem.
The organisers argue that these rivers are closely connected with the lives of communities across Uttara Kannada and coastal Karnataka. Farming, horticulture, fishing and livestock activities in several areas depend on the availability and natural movement of water.
For communities living in the river valleys, the issue is therefore not limited to environmental protection. Changes to river flows can also have consequences for agriculture, drinking water and other local activities.
The Western Ghats play an important role in maintaining forests, water systems and biodiversity. Environmental groups involved in the campaign say the rivers and forests should be considered together because changes to one part of the ecosystem can affect the wider landscape.
The proposed Bengaluru gathering is also intended to bring together people who have moved away from their native villages for education, employment and business. Organisers believe that many such people still maintain strong connections with their home districts and can play a role in raising awareness about environmental issues.
Cooperative sector representatives have been asked to encourage office bearers, members, farmers and the children of cooperative members living in Bengaluru to participate. Farmer organisations have also been urged to join the protest, with organisers asking farmer leaders and supporters to wear green shawls during the programme.
Women are another important part of the mobilisation. Members of women organisations and Stree Shakti groups have been asked to attend along with their families. Organisers have linked the issue to the future of children and the long term condition of the environment in the region.
The campaign is also seeking participation from several communities with historical connections to the Western Ghats. Members of the Siddhi, Kunabi, Marathi, Namadhari Nayak, Ediga and Ramakshatriya communities have been invited to take part.
According to the organisers, many communities in the region have built their livelihoods and cultural traditions around forests, rivers and agricultural landscapes. They say protecting these natural systems is therefore also connected with protecting local livelihoods and cultural links.
The movement has received participation from environmentalists, scientists, writers, artists and social activists. Recent meetings have been used to expand the campaign and reach more people in both Uttara Kannada and Bengaluru.
The demand comes amid continuing debate over large water and infrastructure projects in the Western Ghats. Environmental groups have previously expressed opposition to proposals involving river diversion and other large scale projects in the region.
Organisers say the October 10 gathering is intended to give people from different backgrounds a common platform to discuss the future of the river valleys. They have particularly appealed to young people living in Bengaluru to participate and speak about concerns affecting their native regions.
The campaign is not limited to one district or one section of society. By bringing together farmers, women, young people, cooperative members, workers and community groups, organisers are attempting to create wider public attention around the conservation of the Western Ghats and its rivers.
For those involved in the campaign, Bedti, Aghanashini and Gangavali represent more than individual water bodies. They are closely connected with agriculture, livelihoods, forests and the everyday life of communities across the region.
The October 10 protest at Freedom Park is expected to bring these concerns into the heart of Bengaluru. Organisers are continuing their outreach efforts and asking people from the affected regions as well as residents of Bengaluru to participate in the programme.
