Citizens Audit Vrishabhavati River Drains

On May 17, the Paani Earth Foundation will lead a guided citizen audit of the Vrishabhavati River's storm-water drains. This action is a component of the Mod Foundation's 'Building a Resilient Bengaluru' initiative. The campaign's primary goal is to unite citizens in observing and recording the condition of storm-water drains feeding into the river, specifically between Kengeri Metro Station and Kengeri Bus Terminal Metro Station.

The data gathered during the audit will be uploaded to an open public dashboard, facilitating transparency and community engagement. Madhuri Mandava, co-founder of Paani.Earth, highlighted the critical need for such citizen-led efforts, noting that a "citizen disconnect" often hinders river revitalization. She shared an anecdote of a 73-year-old man who recalled swimming in the Vrishabhavati River as a child, contrasting with its present state as a heavily polluted channel known locally as "Kengeri Mori."

Participants will assess various parameters, including the presence and condition of retaining walls, evidence of sewage inlets, accumulated solid waste, water color, odor, and buffer zone integrity. This comprehensive data set will not only inform a public dashboard but also serve as potential feedback for existing governmental mechanisms. Ms. Mandava suggested that such public involvement makes citizens the "eyes for the government," providing valuable oversight for bodies like the GBA.