MAPSAS (Mahadevapura Environmental Protection Trust)
The Pitch
Mahadevapura Environmental Protection Trust (MAPSAS) restores lakes in and around Bengaluru by preventing pollution from entering the lakes. Their efforts increased biodiversity, improved community lake use and created and supported lake-based livelihoods.
The Problem
Bengaluru has been undergoing rapid, unplanned urban development. Many of the lakes in the region no longer exist because of development along canals. Those that do exist are extremely polluted with sewage and debris.
The Process
- Worked with environmental experts and communities to eliminate pollution from entering lakes
- Restored the 48-acre Kaikondrahalli Lake as the first restoration project (and then replicated this model across five other lakes in the region) by:
- Creating an island refuge for birds, reptiles and amphibians
- Planting fruit trees and indigenous plants to bring native insects and birds back to the area
- Eliminating human waste from entering the lake
- Building an herb garden, composting unit, hygienic bathroom facilities and a standalone water tank (for community members to use in religious practices)
- Partnering with JANASTU to train low-income groups to use lake reeds and weeds to create handicrafts to sell and supplement their income
- Installing sewage and dissolved oxygen sensors that store data in an online dashboard
- Held annual lake festivals with events that involve the community in conservation
- Built community groups’ capacity to advocate for their public spaces by connecting them with local government and helping navigate bureaucratic procedures
The Impact
- Restored six lakes by working with local governments: Kaikondrahalli Lake, Kasavanahalli Lake, Upper and Lower Ambalipura lakes, Harlur Lake and Soulkere Lake (restoration of Halanayakanahalli, Harlur, Iblur, Devarabisanahalli, Doddanekundi and Dodda Ambalipura lakes are currently underway)
- Made Kaikondrahalli Lake a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,000 tree species, 200+ shrub species and 100+ herb species
- Increased community engagement in lake restoration efforts and supported lake-based livelihoods, such as traditional fishing activities and cattle grazing along the shoreline
- Attracts 3,000+ attendees per year to annual lake festivals
- Inspires people to move back to lakes’ edges and utilize restored natural spaces for enjoyment
- Provides job opportunities for marginalized and low-income communities; people have been hired as security guards, gardeners and more
