January 12, 2025

Discovering Renewal Through Water, Shiva, and Sustainability

A bell rings in the background, said to bring in energy. This is funny to me because the city is vibrant and filled with energy already. From car honking to the sharp blows of a policeman’s whistle. At times, I can feel this energy buzzing beneath my skin. But today it feels different, the stone is smooth and cool beneath my feet contrasting the sandy texture of the carved stone of the Bhoga Nandishwara Temple. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, brings a surreal sense of peace that can be hard to find in Bangalore. Shiva, the Destroyer, within the trinity of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, clears the old to make way for the new.

This is why I’m on this trip; to make way for the new. Whether it’s new parts of myself that I will inevitably discover on this trip or the new hope and change I’m able to bring to my organization by working through the challenges that they face.

As we make our way up to Nandi Hills, rising 1,478 meters above sea level. The cooler air and light cloud cover only enhances the stunning views of the lush landscape. Green fields stretch in all directions, from wineries to farmland that has sustained generations.

Finally, we come to the source of the Arkavathi River, one of the six rivers originating in this area and a major tributary of the Kaveri River. The Arkavathi River once supplied water to two major reservoirs; the Hesaraghatta and Tippagondanahalli. These supported the drinking water and the needs of the surrounding agricultural areas. The TG Halli once supplied 30% of Bangalores Water and today is nearly no longer functioning. Now, the city is more reliant on the Kaveri River and borewells.

As Bhargavi explains, this small puddle that stands before us is in dire need of attention. Once vital, it is now polluted and is slowly drying up. The Arkavathi River supports a vast river basin, yet faces an uncertain future.

This stark reality reminds me of Cape Town’s water crisis in 2018, the city narrowly avoided what they called “Day Zero,” the day where the taps would run dry in their city. The combination of climate change, overuse, and inefficient planning leads to this disaster. This same story is told yet again with Bangalore. With the growing urbanization and lack of care, we face a challenge that demands immediate action. When is Bangalore’s “Day Zero”?

Just as Lord Shiva clears the old to make way for the new, the challenges we face, whether in reviving the Arkavathi or rethinking our relationship with water offer an opportunity for discovery, transformation, and the creation of a more sustainable future.

By
Raeanna