Urban October: 12 civic change stories

#bengaluru

Engaging communities in informal settlements in the climate change agenda

Turning climate change into a tangible concept for informal settlement communities, and also gaining monetary and other benefits in the long run.

One man’s seven-day effort to preserve Gubbalala lake

BBMP may have planted saplings, but the efforts of one man has ensured that they do not die. All it took was seven days to bring about changes.

Behind the tree that is still standing in Bengaluru, there is a person guarding it

Munishwara Lakshmi’s love and dedication towards trees led her to nurture a banyan tree over 34 years. The tree provides shade to commuters.

How a commuter’s complaint pushed BMRCL to make lift and escalator available for all

Social media is a powerful tool for metro commuters to post their complaints. A commuter’s effort bore fruit within a short period of time.

#chennai

Getting piped water supply to homes in Chitlapakkam

After two decades, many homes in Chitlapakkam will receive piped water supply thanks to the relentless efforts of residents.

Can residents’ welfare associations solve key issues in TNUHDB homes in Chennai?

TNUHDB has helped form RWAs in its tenements in Chennai. But the scope of work remains limited and does not address social issues.

This Chennai apartment’s self-sustaining sewage treatment plant a model to emulate

The sewage treatment plant in this south Chennai apartment complex is designed so the residents can reuse the black water.

How the residents of Adyar banded together to save a tree

Residents of Gandhi Nagar in Adyar worked with the Greater Chennai Corporation to ensure the transplantation of a fallen ficus tree.

#mumbai

When Navi Mumbai residents came together to protect their wetlands

A group of Navi Mumbai residents took legal action to protect an important wetland (also a flamingo habitat) from being razed by CIDCO.

Saving Navi Mumbai’s mangroves, one week at a time, for over 150 weeks

The relentless efforts of Dharmesh and the volunteers, not only transformed the mangrove landscape of Seawood but has also instilled a sense of pride and responsibility within the citizens.

Bandra citizens combine technology and collective action to clear garbage dump

When citizens in Bandra came together, they were able to remove a garbage dump with the help of civic officials and technology.

Dabul residents strive for a zero-waste locality

Concerned by amount of plastic generated, parish member starts a ‘green cell’ to take collective action as a community.