Bengaluru Engineer Turns Water Woes to Wins

Bengaluru faces significant urban planning issues, including water shortages and rising temperatures during summers. Eight years ago, Ganesh Shanbhag, an engineering manager, was motivated to create sustainable solutions after observing the city's struggles with water scarcity and inefficient restoration efforts. He developed an economical Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) model, which he successfully implemented for an apartment complex with 100 units for under ₹3 lakh. This system not only converted rainwater into potable drinking water but also led to reduced dependence on water tankers and lower utility bills.

Shanbhag's efforts extend beyond water conservation. He actively promotes on-site waste management, including natural sewage treatment units and greywater filtering systems for individual homes. He also assists communities in managing solid waste, developing in-situ composting, and establishing community-level dry waste recycling. These comprehensive approaches aim to create more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly urban living spaces, addressing Bengaluru's projected increase in solid waste generation.