Slogans for lake campaign

[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Hi Friends,

We are planning to do a lake (Haralukunte Kere) campaign 7th of October (this place Somasundara palya is near HSR Layout).

We would need suggestions on slogan & any other ideas that will make the event more successful.

Please share a piece of your mind :)

Thanks,

Bala

[Arathi Manay]

Bala - I have written separately to you on this.

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http://www.puttenahallilake.in

http://plog.puttenahallilake.in

[Ballappa Raj]

Dear All Lake lovers,

 

We should chalk out a detailed and timelimit plan to preserve this lake,which should contain the following:-

 

List out the things we need to do,

set up indivisual group to do the things,

Estimate the cost for the activities,

Set a timetable for the activities to be completed,

weekly monitor of the activites,

Involve concerned MP,MLA & corporator Since Elections are nearing we can get enough funds to complete all the works.

 

B.Muni Raj,

Earth Warrior

9980577544

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[Arbind Gupta]

Bala,

 

What comes to my mind for lake is - My lake, my city. It can apply to Haralujunte lake as well as others.

 

Somebody has posted a question for Arakere lake and I am quoting one of the question here along with my answer because I feel it applies to all lakes.

1. What are some of the challenges we could face in restoration?
The key challenges are - (a) Approval of detailed project report (DPR) by LDA and start of renovation work; (b) demarcation of lake area (survey report) and removal of encroachment; (c) establishing inter-connectivity and water catchment area for the lake

 

So building up people support and working with Govt agencies is the key.

 

Arbind

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[veena hegde]

Hi all!
One update from me.....I spoke to Somesh of BDA, he and his colleagues are really frustrated with the tehshildhar, she hasn't acted further at all. I suggested that we will meet her once again and if she still doesn't act we can bring some pressure talking to higher ups, or thro media when we have the human chain. The placards which we will be using for the human chain shd have some effective wordings to whip them in to action and flashed in all the news papers.
He agrees with me, only he wants us to take care  not to make any derogatory remarks!
regards
veena

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Veena,

I agree that never should anyone get emotional/pass derogatory remarks. We have to respect every individual !

But we will have to tell the facts on progress/current status!

regards,

Bala

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[Aradhana]

I had filed an RTI with the Tahsildar's office asking for information on the lake survey and details of encroachment. No response yet although it's been 1.5 months. I can file a first appeal.... That should put some pressure on them....

-Aradhana

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From: veena hegde <veen...@rediffmail.com>
To: "savebanga...@googlegroups.com" <savebanga...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2012 10:33 AM

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[S. Subramanya]

Dear Bala,

The present Lake Development Model being adopted/promoted by LDA/BBMP/BDA is a civil engineering model that has no respect for the structure, ecology and biodiversity of the lake. The present day soup-bowl design in effect, removes nearly 60% of the biodiversity partial to the shallow regions. Hardly has anyone seen how the lakes used to function about 30 years back  - when all our lakes were very viable units and supported immense bird and biodiversity : which I am sure most of the people  have no idea about - pardon me if I am being rude.

The present model aims at maximum desilting and civil works, which can be billed - which appears to be the sole objective: The raised-ringed-jogging-track effectively curtails the uninhabited water-flow from the surrounding catchment and the birds don't come and dance, just because there is an island - and there is no ecological-logic behind the creation of these islands. In fact you don't need a raised jogging track or the islands as part of the lake development model at all - it is total nonsense. If you understand lakes and know what needs to be done to restore them, you don't need so much money that these agencies are investing right now.

Thus, before you embark on talking about  DPRs or with LDA, you need to first change the present Lake Development Model into an ecological one, which is biodiversity-friendly and see that no sewage flows into the lake and, incorporate Catchment Area Development measures into the DPR along with the lake development. You need to have sloping lake-bed from shoreline to the center and from foreshore towards the main bund, such that you will have concentric zones of varying water-depths: the deepest zone towards the main bund and water gets shallower as one moves away from the main bund and towards to shoreline all-around.

Typically none of our lakes were perennial, as they have been changed into due to continuous inflow of sewage. They used to be very seasonal, heterogeneous and dynamic habitats. Thus, if ever you want to really rejuvenate or restore the lakes to their former glory, adopt measures that will preserve the structure and ecology of the lake - i.e. in effect change the lake development model from a civil-engineering model into an ecological one.

When I pointed out this to the Chief of LDA during the Steering Committee Meeting of LDA (for which I am a member) that met to take stock of the progress made by the National Lake Development Projects in Karnataka - it left him fuming!!

Between 1987-1996, as a part of the Asian Midwinter Waterfowl Census, we birdwatchers used to count birds in about 100-130 lakes within about 40Km radius of Bangalore. I was in-charge of the North Bangalore lakes and I must have made close to 400 lake visits during that period. By knowing how birds use the lakes, one has a better understanding of how these lakes work.

Cheers,

Subbu.

[Naresh Vedagiri]

Dear Bala

Wish you all the very best for this campaign. We from Vibhutipura lake team are also planning a campaign on 1st Nov. I will connect with you later to get some campaign tips! I would have loved to join you all on 7th but I am not in town.

- Naresh

On Sat, Sep 29, 2012 at 9:53 AM, Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> wrote:

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- Naresh

[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Hi Veena & other interested folks,

Tahsildar Ms Hari Shipla  is invited for the campaign. 

Please let me know - if you can join us, we can have a talk with her on this after the campaign.

regards,

Bala

On Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 10:33 AM, veena hegde <veen...@rediffmail.com> wrote:

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[Abraham Isaac]

Dear Veena & Team,

Please do come for the 7th Oct campaign. 

We need as much support as we can, especially from experts like you. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Regards

Abraham Isaac

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From: Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com>
To: savebanga...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, 1 October 2012 5:50 PM
Subject: Re: Slogans for lake campaign

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[Abraham Isaac]

Dear Aradhana,

Please do go for the first appeal. This should put pressure on them and send a message across saying that we are serious on saving the lakes.

Regards 

Abraham Isaac

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From: Aradhana <arij...@yahoo.com>
To: "savebanga...@googlegroups.com" <savebanga...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, 1 October 2012 2:19 PM
Subject: Re: Slogans for lake campaign

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[Arbind Gupta]

Dear Aradhana,

 

I also agree that we should go for first appeal. The pressure should continue.

 

And we now have all photographs of encroachment and sewage discharge into the lake (some I took today). We should also  go and make a petition to Mr Elappa Reddy,  chief environment officer to GoK,  about lack of progress since his last visit a month ago. He was quite firm about taking all necessary steps for renovation. The last visit by tahasildar was just before his visit and may be more to demonstrate action.

 

We should also give a copy to BDA for taking whatever necessary steps to prevent further deterioration.

 

Regards,

Arbind

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[Satheesh]

Ramesh Ji suggested the following:

I think it should be just Lakes without bangalore  ...
Lakes : Clean Green Alive and the equivalent in Kannada,
Keregalu : Swatcha Hasiru Jeevantha

Regards,
Satheesh

On Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 11:43 AM, Satheesh <mnctos...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi Bala,

It should be a punching 3 worded slogan/quote something like HeroHonda used for their CD100 bike marketing .... Fill It, Shut It, Forget it.
Bangalore Lakes ... Clean, Green, Alive!

Regards,
Satheesh

On Sat, Sep 29, 2012 at 9:53 AM, Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> wrote:

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Regards,
Satheesh Amilineni
Inspire & Lead if not, Follow your Lead!
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((_)/   ((_)
COCO [Cycle On, Cycle Onwards]
(A FORward150 initiative)

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Regards,
Satheesh Amilineni
Inspire & Lead if not, Follow your Lead!
     ___O
  _(\     \_
((_)/   ((_)
COCO [Cycle On, Cycle Onwards]
(A FORward150 initiative)

[Satheesh]

Hi Bala,

It should be a punching 3 worded slogan/quote something like HeroHonda used for their CD100 bike marketing .... Fill It, Shut It, Forget it.
Bangalore Lakes ... Clean, Green, Alive!

Regards,
Satheesh

On Sat, Sep 29, 2012 at 9:53 AM, Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Meera]

Bala, 

Congrats on the great turnout today. Good to see HSRx residents supporting this in large numbers. Now to keep the momentum going :-)
p.s One suggestion: we should try to have noticeable no of Kannada placards too. I didn't check it - but the pamphlets distributed should also have Kannada.

I'd like a general input from others in the group - has anybody engaged fruitfully with non-apartment or local village community near the lakes. I see Puttenahalli volunteers engaging with the nearby slum. Some attempt was made at Kaikondrahalli lake. But better examples would be good.

Regds, Meera

[Yogesh Devaraj]

Yes, it was good turnout.  Thanks to organizers and for the people who participated.

Without local kannada speaking people participation and support , any civic effort will not be very successful. Banners, Placards, pamphlets, speeches in Kannada will attract and motivate to join hands. Also get some of them in your groups and trusts.. 

Ironically, most of the public agitations, protests,  initiatives led by IT People forget this fact. Locals watch the activities from outside.

If you need any support in Kannada, pl feel free to contact me. Based on my available bandwidth will try to help as much as I can or will try to get help from others.

Meera,

Rejuvenation of Kalena Agrahara Lake has been initiated and (having realized local support is necessary) a conscious effort is being made to involve locals. BAnnerghatta Neighbourhood Association (BANA) is part of this lake effort.

rgds,

-yogesh-

www.nammabana.in

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

1. Pamphlets were in Kannada version. PFA

Inline with our interest to increase public participation in public problem solving - we had our pamphlets designed to include - key contact nos. to reach for public issues.

(Corporator,BBMP,BESCOM,BWSSB ,HSR Police & Police patrol contact details)

2. Regarding Campaigning in Kannada

During Walkathon & end of the Campaign - we had few volunteers who did speak out in local vernacular kannada. May that was not noticed !

3. Few challenges we face many times 

- Some of our group members do know kannada, but not ok to speak in public.

- Even getting translation , it gets difficult sometimes (in the name of bandwidth problems) 

4. We are engaging with localites, i think it is a matter of time.

There are 2 challenges here:

1. Poor people expect 'financial benefits' which local politicians offer. They are not mature enough to understand reality of who are their real friends.

2.Politicians - politically influential folks to keep control on locals, they alienate them from others like us giving different reasons.

Both the above will change over time by continuous engagement, since truth is not that. 

To expedite localisation - we have to do activities that will benefit them, then they will identify with us!

I guess this can be better addressed with a big branded group - who can reach out to localites & do goods for them.

I am not sure of feasibility of above point , since usually our priorities are different & we dont get enough participation to solve our own problem..How can we go & do activities they want ?

At the outset , we understand - localisation is important & we want to do..practicality is different !

Do share your experience/suggestion that will help.

regards,

Bala

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[Naresh Vedagiri]

Bala

Congrats on the successful walkathon. We are planning to organise a similar silent march campaign to highlight the plight of the Vibhutipura lake. This is tentatively planned for 01-Nov, Rajyotsava day. Did you guys have to take Police permission for the walkathon? Is there anything else you can share that will help us in this exercise? 

We would really like to engage the local, non-apartment dwelling population as well in this march so that it not seen as just another elitist adventure. Pamphlets and placards in Kannada are good ideas. Any other suggestions will help.

Regards

Naresh

Uthkarsh - An L.B.S Nagar Resident's Initiative

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- Naresh

[Yogesh Devaraj]

Bala,

I understand the challenges especially having involved in these activities for some time now.. My comment about communication was of generic nature...

 

On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 8:20 AM, Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> wrote:

1. Pamphlets were in Kannada version. PFA

Inline with our interest to increase public participation in public problem solving - we had our pamphlets designed to include - key contact nos. to reach for public issues.

(Corporator,BBMP,BESCOM,BWSSB ,HSR Police & Police patrol contact details)

2. Regarding Campaigning in Kannada

During Walkathon & end of the Campaign - we had few volunteers who did speak out in local vernacular kannada. May that was not noticed !

3. Few challenges we face many times 

- Some of our group members do know kannada, but not ok to speak in public.

- Even getting translation , it gets difficult sometimes (in the name of bandwidth problems) 

4. We are engaging with localites, i think it is a matter of time.

There are 2 challenges here:

1. Poor people expect 'financial benefits' which local politicians offer. They are not mature enough to understand reality of who are their real friends.

2.Politicians - politically influential folks to keep control on locals, they alienate them from others like us giving different reasons.

For obvious reasons, poor people can offer you headcount (once in a while) but nothing more in getting the work done... 

I was referring locals in the sense - Good Samaritans who have passion and influence in the community (more importantly can get work done in Govt agencies) and the RWA Federation..you have one active federation in HSR layout.. Contact, Convince and Engage them, if you have not already. My suggestions is coming from the fact that some lake groups in the Bannerghatta neighborhood trying to work on their own.

There is so many problems in BLR and so many things to be done, there is ample space for every individual and every group to play active role.. We need not alienate others nor compete with each other instead come together and establish common goals and try to achieve them. The initiatives, the groups and platforms that we all trying to build need to be inter-connected and co-operative and should have larger vision..

Agree, it is difficult to break the political stranglehold.. Every civil initiative/group facing this and we need to find ways, to do it... It is indeed a big challenge..

Pl feel free to call on the subject and I will able to share my (little) experience in this space..

rgds,

-yogesh-

9480325600

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Quick pointers:

1. Prepare  pamphlet like one we have (attached in earlier email) 

- with some nice pics of birds or lake ecosystem that could exist in the area (in pamphlet - ask what if your locality has it?)

2. Conduct Photography workshop ( ANIT had done. Arbind & Team Can you please share the details on it? )

3. Conduct poster competition in your area for kids. This really helps in campaign. 

Secret is, if you target kids - they bring the entire family with them :)

4. You will have to get written permission from Police station of the ward where you will perform campaign

5. Run the campaign with kids & kannadigas in fore-front.

6. Arrange banners if you can

7. Arrange water , chocolates for the kids/adults to gift them for participating/shouting slogans etc. To actively keep them engaged

8a. Arrange mega-phone to carry during campaign to sing the slogan :)

8b. Arrange wireless,wired mikes with speaker & arrange brief VIP talk at the end of campaign & thank all for participation.

9. Provide visibility to active volunteers to outside communities - that will encourage them

10. Call/email media. (Attached their contact details)

11. get few of your volunteers to take photos & record the event.

12. Can avoid sundays - many christians dont want to miss the sunday mass.

13. ensure weather is conducive on planned event day (so rain etc doesnt spoil it)

14. sell your vision & make many around you as vision agents

15. Be open to new ideas to entice diverse group you have in the locality for this purpose..

16. get binding from local association & try to reach out for everyone around you.

17. Invite everyone outside your locality also including this save bangalore lake group, IAC volunteers & many other groups are willing to join anything that is done for good cause.

18. create facebook event,facebook page etc for your lake & spread your lake information around

19. send out articles to local media a week in advance to event with your contact no regarding the event.

20. send the fliers/pamphlets through news paper agents to neighbors around

As a responsibility, when we do similar thing - we should ask all neighbors living around other lakes to join us.

It is a win-win - we will get some more mass due to them & they get idea of how to conduct for their lake & ofcourse, we will support them when they do!

Good luck!

~Bala

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

One word mantra for all thats said : 'Sensitize'  Make everyone feel the same way you feel about the goodness of lake being around!

regards,

Bala

[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

I agree.

No one can make a valuable difference, if they want to do everything by themselves..without engaging with other entities available around (who can help)..

We are in touch with HSR Federation & We are in continuous look out for good Samaritans living everywhere (not only in immediate neighborhood)

In fact our group's initiative is to identify all such people and give them a common platform to takeup things.

~Bala

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[Meera]

Bala,

There were some Kannada slogans - but many did not understand and were found it tough to shout out during the walk :-). Perhaps the phrases & meaning can be shared prior to the event so everybody is in sync. 

One way to engage with local community is to have feel-good eventslike blood donation camps. The local film fan clubs or RWA will support. 

I think we also had a volleyball match co-organised along with the local Samiti. All this can be done by the lakeside if possible..

 

-Meera

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Yeah, I guess this expected - since this our 1st time. (adding to this i didnt get any experience shared by others who did this )

But from now , we will build on & publicize the knowledge base we have on this.

Thanks for your on ideas on Sports & Blood donation camp etc. We will take it up.

regards,

Bala

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

Do reach out to very approachable & helping : Citizen matters magazine @ 41737584 / ed...@citizenmatters.in 

[veekay rajesh]

Dear All,

 

Please read article.

 

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=9838&boxid=20363286&ed_date=2012-10-08&ed_code=860009&ed_page=5

 

 

Rajesh

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Regards,

Rajesh

[George Abraham]

Hi Bala,

What was the budget for an activity like this and how did you go about raising funds?

Thanks

George

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[Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu]

I spent Rs 2300 for mike/speaker , around 5K for 5000 prints of pamphlets & few other minor expense.

We plan to share this as ad-hoc expense across all associations that participated in the drive.

regards,

Bala

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[Amitabha Saha Roy]

Dear Bala, I am Amitabh from the Arakere Lake team ( working with Arbind Gupta and ANIT team  ). We conducted the photography workshop to raise funds for doing awareness campaigns ( painting competition in nearby schools , human chain etc ). In the process of spreading the word about the workshop, it also generated awareness about the Arakere lake initiative.  I conducted the photography workshop with the help of ANIT team. I am happy to help and if you would like to know more, you can feel free to call me. My contact # is : 81054 55200 Thanks Amitabh --- On Mon, 10/8/12, Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu <bath...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Slogans for lake campaign

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