Do you know Karnataka has recently faced an immense water crisis? It was expected that the reservoirs in the state should have 8.8 billion cubic meters this year but only 6.5 million cubic meters is available. People do not have access to clean drinking water. The state government is taking steps such as providing tankers, drilling new borewells, and controlling private borewells to manage the situation. 

Rainwater is the main source of water in Karnataka. The water shortage has even endangered the botanical parks and biodiversity in the state. It is difficult to maintain the richness of botanical gardens as water is depleting rapidly in reservoirs such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Keeping in mind the water scarcity in the state, LM Wind Power (India) Pvt. Ltd. came forward. The company partnered with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) and inaugurated two water bodies in the Doddasaggere Botanical Garden. Since the water reservoirs are drying up in the city the garden has been facing issues in maintenance. 

The newly built water bodies will serve as water reservoirs of rainwater and restore the ecosystem and diversity of the region. The Department of Horticulture, Karnataka is also involved in the awesome project.

The Start

Doddasaggere Botanical Garden, located in Koratagere, Tumakuru, spans 228 acres. It is a part of the magnificent project of developing five botanical gardens in Karnataka started by the Karnataka Department of Horticulture. 

The garden is home to diverse biodiversity including reptile and bird species and lakhs of plants and trees. Initially, the biodiversity hub relied on borewells for its water needs. The collaboration of the botanical garden with LM Wind Power and UWBe is a promise to enhance the region’s natural beauty by fulfilling its water needs.

LM Wind Power is a market leader in the wind industry and supplies rotor blades for advanced wind turbine blade technology. The company has been in the industry for 40 years. Since the beginning, LM Wind Power has believed in maintaining a green and clean environment by adopting sustainable practices. It is committed to working for the community through various CSR activities. It is a carbon-neutral company that uses recycled materials, complies with environmental standards, and follows a zero-waste policy. 

United Way Bengaluru is a top NGO committed to improving and enhancing the lives of people by providing quality education, and financial stability, enhancing skills, developing rural economies, and conserving the environment.

Efforts

LM Wind Power and UWBe have partnered to revive the beauty of Doddasaggere Botanical Garden. The event was attended by dignitaries of LM Wind Power and UWBe, and officials from the Department of Horticulture, Karnataka. 

The parties have recently inaugurated two water bodies in the biodiversity garden for ecosystem restoration and sustainable water conservation. The project also includes the renovation and restoration of an existing water body. With this, the water bodies in the garden will have a storage capacity of 4.5 crore liters of rainwater. It is proposed that the lake will also have a bund and two loose boulder structures that will help in desilting and soil erosion prevention.

The project also plans to create a thorny forest across 4.5 acres by planting 2500 saplings of thorny plants of 17 varieties. The transforming project at Doddasaggere Botanical Garden is a great effort taken by LM Wind Power and UWBe. 

It is a meaningful step that shows their commitment to society and the environment. The project contributes to enhancing Karnataka’s environmental heritage which will create a greener and cleaner environment for the varied diversity in the botanical garden. 

Impact

The partnership of LM Wind Power and UWBe to build water bodies and restore an existing one in the Doddasaggere Botanical Garden is a remarkable initiative. The water bodies will support irrigation and fulfill water needs for the diverse biodiversity in the garden for the year as these can store 4.5 crore liters of rainwater. 

This reduces the dependency of the botanical garden on borewells for water needs. The project will develop a sustainable green space in the botanical garden and support the existing biodiversity. The collaboration between the two parties will increase water availability, improve water quality, enhance afforestation, and protect the rich biodiversity.

The public-private partnership to create two new ponds and rejuvenate an old water body in Doddasaggere Botanical Garden is a perfect example of selfless efforts toward creating a sustainable environment. It will become an ideal place for the flora and fauna to live without fear. Additionally, the project also creates awareness among the public about managing and restoring natural resources. 

The creation of 4.5 acres of thorny forest will enhance the beauty of the botanical garden. With the reptile and bird species residing in the area will have greener space to live. The project will cherish the overall environmental heritage of Karnataka as the garden will have a clean water supply throughout the year. The project will also help to increase flora and fauna in the garden as more and more green space is created. 

Way Forward 

LM Wind Power participates in various CSR activities that positively impact the community and environment. The company is committed to producing zero-waste blades by 2030, reducing its manufacturing waste by around 27%. It favors the use of recycled products for manufacturing. It has also reduced its carbon footprint by installing solar lights, LED fittings, and induction lamps. 

United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) also works selflessly for society and the environment. It is involved in various lake restoration projects in Karnataka, has constructed 2700 percolation wells, and has participated in various water conservation projects in the country. Its volunteers offer selfless service and work together to build a stronger community and sustainable environment.

In the future, the public-private partnership is interested in participating in other projects like Doddasaggere Botanical Garden that restores the natural beauty of an area. The parties promise to work to enhance environment and save natural resources dedicatedly to create a greener and healthier space for the future generations.