Life & Style

Kampot in Haralur Road
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

After its debut at Ecoworld, Kampot has opened its second outlet on Haralur Road, just off Sarjapur Road. The restaurant brings together Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Korean cuisines with a live ramen, sushi, and dim sum bar, curated wine cocktails, and an ambiance that balances chic modernity with a relaxed, airy vibe.

We arrived on a sultry afternoon and opted for the alfresco seating. With a wave-patterned ceiling and pastel tones, the place felt bright and inviting. It was not particularly crowded, which was a bonus — there is something mildly liberating about having space to enjoy a meal without the usual din of a bustling restaurant.

Our initiation into Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine started with drinks. The Kampot cooler, an orange-based drink with a jalapeño kick, was refreshing and just spicy enough to wake up our taste buds. The Vietnamese cold coffee, made with condensed milk and ice, was pleasant but not quite the thick, rich brew we were expecting.

Kampot Cooler
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The katsu chicken maki roll looked promising but turned out a bit chewy and tough. The scallion prawns siu mai, while delicately crafted, was a little too mild for our liking. Then came the jiangs chilli chicken, which, despite its fiery-sounding name, surprised us with a subtle, well-balanced flavour — unexpected, but welcome. The Taipei chicken, on the other hand, was a little too salty.

By this point, we were deep into the meal, but there was more to come. The Vietnamese caramelised pork with rice, made with sugar, soy, and garlic, was just a touch too sweet for our palates. And then there was the much-hyped mango sticky rice — our first time trying it. Maybe it was the weight of expectations, but it did not quite blow us away.

The Taipei Chicken
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Kampot is an ambitious venture, offering a variety of lesser-explored Southeast Asian dishes to Bengaluru’s ever-curious foodies. There is no denying the effort that restaurateur Priyanka Bonick has put into curating the menu. A chartered accountant and IIM Bengaluru alum, she first fell in love with Khmer cuisine back in 2012 and spent years researching and perfecting the concept before launching Kampot. “I realised that to create a unique menu, I needed to deeply understand the cuisine. I wanted people to choose my restaurant over others. To build a strong brand, I knew I had to immerse myself in the cuisine,” she says, explaining how she has trained in Vietnamese and Khmer cuisines and continues to refresh her knowledge with annual trips to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Her dedication shows in Kampot’s approach to authenticity. The pho is made using a recipe she learned from a chef in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Vietnamese coconut curry is positioned as a Southeast Asian alternative to the much-loved Thai curry. The restaurant has also embraced gluten-free options, with 90% of its dim sums being made without gluten — a choice, Priyanka says, has proven popular.

Mango sticky rice
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

But here is the thing: not every dish hit the mark for us. Some felt a bit too mild, others too salty or sweet. That said, there is enough variety to make a return visit worth considering, especially if you are someone who enjoys exploring new flavours. The vibe is airy and inviting. It is great for dates, casual catch-ups, and even work lunches. For its price range, Kampot offers good value, and while not every dish will be a winner for every diner, there is enough here to keep things interesting.

Would we come back? Probably, but next time, we will stick to the bestsellers — maybe the Vietnamese pho, bun cha, or that famous coconut curry. And, of course, another Kampot cooler to beat the Bengaluru heat.

The living room in Mammootty’s house in Panampilly Nagar
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Imagine spending a day or two at actor Mammootty’s house? Or a staycation perhaps? Well, this is your chance thanks to Vkation Experiences, a Kochi-based company that curates luxury stays in South India. This may not be what Mannath is to Mumbai, but there are people who drive past the house peeking for a glimpse of the evergreen thespian or Dulquer Salman.

The company did not anticipate the response when it announced, on their Instagram handle, that bookings to, what is popularly known as, ‘Mammootty House’ in Kochi’s KC Joseph Road, in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, were open. Guests will be welcomed on the property from April 2 onwards for the ‘boutique villa’ experience at the actor’s house. Vkation Experiences will provide personalised services to the guests. The company, which does not want to share more details at the time, runs similar boutique villas in the other parts of Kerala. 

Call 97784 65700 for details

The Gwalior Fort inspired stole
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

At Tvam Art and Design Studio, the latest line of saris, blouses, and Western wear designed by artist and designer Lakshmi Srinath showcases her perspective of colours, Nature, and heritage.

Among her creations, a wrap and a shirt inspired by the Raneh Falls stand out. Located on the Ken River in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the falls has carved a deep canyon of pure crystalline granite in varying shades, juxtaposed against blue-green waters. The ochre granite and shimmering water are reflected in Lakshmi’s design.

Lakshmi’s work for the Sanskrit film Sakuntalam, directed by Dushyanth Sridhar, is a testament to this vision. Shot across heritage sites such as Lepakshi, the Badami Caves, Aihole and Pattadakal, the film allowed Lakshmi to document these locations through her photography. She further deepened her understanding by travelling extensively with historian and art critic Ashrafi S Bhagat, who provided academic insights into sites such as the Puri Jagannath Temple, Raneh falls, Gwalior Fort, Ajanta and Ellora caves and the Sanchi Stupa.

This sari was inspired by the Gwalior Fort
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In her latest collection, Lakshmi integrates heritage themes with a distinct colour palette. Ochre, terracotta, black, orange, yellow, red, pink, blue, and grey dominate her designs. She works around a central theme, creating motifs and patterns that reflect the essence of each heritage site.

One of her saris, inspired by the Konark Sun Temple, features a pallu embroidered in black, grey, and gold to represent the sun, while the body is a rich earthy brown. Her Gwalior Fort sari in resplendent turquoise blue and pale yellow is striking, while the Le Pakshi-inspired design highlights geometric patterns on the pallu and border.

To mark the launch of her new line, a musical concert by Gurupriya Atreya, curated by Alaap, was organised at her studio. Traversing the landscape of the country, the music was an ode to befitting ode to the collection. It navigated languages and ideas through the lens of a woman reiterating Lakshmi’s own story in visual art, design and fashion.

Beyond textiles, Lakshmi has designed jewellery inspired by bidri inlay work from north-eastern Karnataka, dhokra metal craft from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and pattachitra art from Odisha. She has also created an array of thematic blouses and potlis.

The Raneh falls inspired oufit.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

With a preference for Chanderi fabric, Lakshmi’s designs are a testament to the enduring influence of history, reimagined through contemporary fashion.

See the collection at Tvam Art and Design Studio, RA Puram from 10am to 6pm. Monday to Saturday.

The United Nations observes the World Water Day annually to highlight the importance of fresh water.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (March 22, 2025) underlined his government’s commitment to conserve water and promote sustainable development to mark the World Water Day.

“Water has been the lifeline of civilisations and thus it is more important to protect it for the future generations,” he said on X.

The United Nations observes the World Water Day annually to highlight the importance of fresh water.

Groundwater is a crucial but often overlooked resource that sustains India’s agriculture, industries, and drinking water supply. Stored in underground aquifers—porous rock formations that hold water like a sponge—it serves as the lifeblood of the nation. The monsoon plays a key role in replenishing these aquifers, but the delicate balance between extraction and recharge is increasingly under threat.

India is the world’s largest extractor of groundwater, accounting for 25% of global usage. Millions rely on it for irrigation and daily needs, yet unsustainable withdrawal, pollution, and climate change have led to alarming depletion rates. Regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan face severe groundwater stress due to over-extraction for farming. Managing this invisible yet vital resource is essential to ensuring long-term water security for future generations.

Status and Atlas

The National Groundwater Atlas provides a comprehensive assessment of groundwater availability across India, revealing stark regional disparities. While states like West Bengal and Bihar benefit from fertile alluvial aquifers and river-fed reserves, excessive withdrawal—especially in Punjab for water-intensive crops like rice—has led to significant depletion.

Groundwater availability in India: The map highlights regional disparities, with red-marked states (Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu) experiencing severe water stress due to low recharge rates and over-extraction, while yellow-marked states (Punjab, Bihar, and West Bengal) have better groundwater reserves but face depletion risks due to excessive withdrawal for agriculture.

Conversely, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu face severe water stress due to low rainfall, hard rock aquifers, and slow recharge rates. Gujarat presents a mixed picture, with some regions experiencing acute shortages while others benefit from river-fed reserves. The Atlas highlights these contrasts, offering crucial insights for policymakers to develop targeted groundwater management strategies. As over-extraction continues to outpace natural replenishment in many regions, sustainable conservation efforts are essential to ensure long-term groundwater security.

Treasure underneath

Groundwater is a crucial but often overlooked resource that sustains India’s agriculture, industries, and drinking water supply. Stored in underground aquifers—porous rock formations that hold water like a sponge—it serves as the lifeblood of the nation. The monsoon plays a key role in replenishing these aquifers, but the delicate balance between extraction and recharge is increasingly under threat.

A well at a farmer’s field near Humnabad Industrial Area filled with chemically contaminated groundwater.
| Photo Credit:
KUMAR BURADIKATTI

Threats

India’s groundwater is under increasing pressure due to over-extraction, contamination, and climate change, making sustainable management crucial for long-term water security.

Over-extraction: Excessive groundwater withdrawal for irrigation, industries, and urban consumption is rapidly depleting aquifers, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu. The unchecked use of borewells is pushing water tables to dangerously low levels.

Salinity and contamination: Natural and human-induced pollution is rendering groundwater unsafe for drinking and agriculture. West Bengal and Bihar face high arsenic contamination, while Rajasthan struggles with fluoride contamination, posing severe health risks.

Climate change impact: Unpredictable monsoons, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures are reducing groundwater recharge rates. Regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra are particularly vulnerable, with erratic rainfall worsening the crisis.

Groundwater contamination

Urban groundwater crisis

Cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad face severe depletion due to unregulated borewell drilling and rapid urbanization.

Bengaluru water crisis (2024): Bengaluru suddenly became the centre of national attention as the city’s acute water shortage made headlines. Borewells ran dry, lakes shrank due to over-extraction and erratic rainfall, and residents in many areas were left scrambling for expensive private water tankers. The crisis sparked widespread discussions on social media and in policy circles, with experts calling for urgent action. Industries and IT hubs faced disruptions, forcing businesses to rethink their water dependency. The situation underscored the urgent need for rainwater harvesting, stricter groundwater regulations, and sustainable urban planning to prevent future crises.

Residents collect free water from a tanker amid water crisis, in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit:
SHAILENDRA BHOJAK

Chennai’s Water Crisis (2019): Showcased the dangers of over-extraction, prompting greater focus on rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge.

The first special ‘water’ train with 2.5 million litres of water from Jolarpet to Chennai arrived at Villivakkam to help the city tide over the severe water shortage. The Tamil Nadu Government requested the Southern Railway to transport water from Jolarpettai to Villivakkam to supply 10 million litres per day of drinking water to the city.

How is groundwater recharged?

Groundwater recharging is a process of refilling underground water reserves (aquifers) through natural and artificial means.

Natural recharge

• Precipitation: Rain and snowmelt infiltrate the soil and percolate down into aquifers.

• Surface water: Rivers, lakes, and wetlands contribute to recharge as water seeps into underground layers.

• Interflow & baseflow: Some water moves laterally through soil layers before reaching deeper aquifers, maintaining river flow in dry seasons.

• Factors affecting recharge: Soil type (permeable vs. clayey), vegetation (roots create infiltration pathways), topography (gentle slopes retain water), and climate (rainfall patterns).

Artificial recharge

Humans actively assist groundwater recharge through methods like:

• Check dams & percolation ponds: These slow down water flow, allowing more time for seepage.

• Recharge wells: Specially designed wells directly inject water into aquifers.

• Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater in tanks or directing it into the ground through recharge pits.

• Canal irrigation: Water from canals seeps underground, replenishing local water tables.

• Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR): In cities like Chennai, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, treated water or excess monsoon runoff is injected into aquifers for later use.

• Floodwater management: In flood-prone states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, excess river water from the Ganga and Brahmaputra is diverted into recharge structures such as artificial wetlands and retention basins.

Traditional water conservation systems:

Baolis (Stepwells): Used in Rajasthan and Gujarat to collect and store rainwater.

Eri System (Tamil Nadu): Ancient tanks built for water conservation and groundwater recharge, still in use today.

Zabo System (Nagaland): Indigenous water harvesting method that integrates agriculture and livestock farming.

Why is groundwater recharge important?

• Maintains water availability during droughts

• Prevents over-extraction and depletion of aquifers

• Supports rivers, lakes, and wetlands by maintaining underground flow

• Reduces soil erosion and land subsidence

Revival of wells in Rajasthan: A success story

In Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the revival of traditional johads (check dams) has transformed barren lands into fertile fields. Led by community efforts, these structures helped recharge groundwater, restoring dried-up wells and ensuring water security. This success story has inspired similar conservation projects across India’s water-stressed regions.

Do you know how much water you use in a day? According to the Central Ground Water Authority in India, it is estimated that an average individual needs close to 135 litres of water every day to go through all daily activities from consumption to sanitation. This number can go up to 200 depending on how long your shower is and whether a bathtub is being used in your house! However, not everyone has equal access to water. While some of us consume (and waste) much more than what is required, a lot of poor people have to make do with much less. It is, hence, important that we use water judiciously. Let us look at a few ways in which we can measure how much water we use and ensure there is no waste.

A resident demonstrates how people filter water in the village of Foth, Senega.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

Calculating the basics

Consumption of water is extremely necessary for our health; cutting down on the litres of water you drink a day and getting dehydrated is not the solution for water conservation here. The major water waste comes from much smaller things around us, which we often fail to see. The drops of water falling from that leaking tap in your house or school, the extra five minutes you keep the shower on while humming a song, or even the gap between taking the toothpaste out of the cabinet while brushing your teeth—all lead to litres of clean water going down the drain. You can calculate your water footprint using an online water footprint calculator from reliable sources like WWF.

According to the NITI Aayog report, nearly 600 million Indians face high-to-extreme water stress, with around 200,000 people dying annually due to inadequate access to safe water. Major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are experiencing severe water shortages, and the situation is expected to worsen with time. Hard-hit regions include Southern and Central Asia and North Africa, where the situation is considered critical. Even countries with highly developed infrastructure, like the United States, are seeing water levels drop to record lows.

Let your voice rise!

Is your home or hostel water conservation friendly? Are there leaking taps or pipes left unnecessarily open? Point it out to your elders and spread awareness about the importance of water conservation in everyday activities. Sit with your family and calculate your individual and total average water footprint to understand where water is being wasted more. Water wastage is a significant contributor to the global water crisis. A typical shower can use between 10 to 25 litres of water per minute. On average, a 10-minute shower can waste around 100 to 250 litres of water.

Talk to people around you about what the major water resource was while they were growing up. In many rural areas of India and other developing nations, women and girls bear the responsibility of fetching water for their households. Due to the lack of nearby water sources, they often have to walk long distances—sometimes up to 5 to 10 kilometres daily—to access clean water. This not only consumes their time but also exposes them to physical exhaustion, health risks, and safety concerns. Explore whether people around you are facing the same struggles to attain clean water.

Many schools in water-stressed regions lack proper hygiene facilities, leading to increased dropout rates, particularly among girls during menstruation. Ensuring access to clean water in schools can significantly improve attendance and overall educational outcomes. Does your school have enough water available for consumption and sanitation? Check whether the same comes from groundwater resources; if not, enquire whether your school has a rainwater harvesting system.

Conservation conversation

Do you make sure to keep your toilets and washrooms clean after use? Or is their third-party involvement in ensuring you have clean sanitation facilities? Do you interact with sanitation workers around you?

You might have seen people in your school or near your homes involved in sanitation work; strike up a conversation with them and understand how much water is being used in a day by them to clean. Try to figure out ways to conserve water through them and how you can help in making their work more water-efficient!

In 2010, the United Nations recognised the human right to water and sanitation, stating that everyone has the right to sufficient, safe, acceptable, and affordable water for personal and domestic use. Over half of the global population, or 4.2 billion people, lacks safely managed sanitation services.

Actions, not words!

Organisations like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Centre for Environment Education have multiple programs and resources that help in understanding and involving in water conservation better. CSE’s School of Water Waste and MOUNT are just two of the programs that help in getting started with water conservation. From Eco Club programs to sustainable school campus programs, CEE also caters to students and teachers to become water efficient.

The Swarovski Waterschools in Pune have been working in collaboration with WWF India to preserve water resources and raise awareness in schools on the impact of water scarcity and the importance of clean water while providing sustainable water supplies and adequate sanitation facilities in schools. Capacity-building initiatives like forming WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) clubs in schools or educating young environmental leaders and Ganga Mitras (women who take on environmental leadership) all help to increase the reach and spread awareness for environmental protection and sustainable practices more broadly. It is important to develop more such initiatives and involve students in water conservation and environmental issues from a young age. This will help ensure better awareness among them and, in turn, in the generations to come as well!

niranjana.ps@thehindu.co.in

India boasts a vast and diverse surface water network. This water is an interconnected network of natural water bodies like rivers, lakes and ponds. The major rivers in India being Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari along with countless lakes, ponds and traditional water tanks. These water bodies support agriculture, drinking water supply, and groundwater recharge while also playing a role in cultural and ecological preservation. From the lakes of Kashmir to the stepwells of Rajasthan, water storage and conservation have been integral to India’s history.

A devotee takes a holy dip in the Ganga river during sunrise, in Varanasi.

Surface water is like India’s lifelines. India’s permanent surface water resources are divided in three categories: Lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Rivers

The major river systems in India that include the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, Godavari and Krishna, provide water for agriculture, drinking and hydropower. These rivers, acting as the backbone of India’s water supply, are nourished by monsoons, glaciers, and tributaries. The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna system is the largest river network in India, contributing significantly to the surface water availability.

Lakes

India is home to both natural and man-made lakes. Famous natural lakes include Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan). Many artificial lakes, such as Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, were created for water storage and irrigation.

Vegetable sellers wait for customers on the bank of Dal Lake in the backdrop of ranges covered in fresh snowfall, in Srinagar.

Status and Distribution

India’s surface water resources are spread across various regions, with some states playing a leading role in specific categories. West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs, while Andhra Pradesh has the most tanks. Tamil Nadu leads in the number of lakes, and Maharashtra is known for its extensive water conservation schemes. These water bodies are crucial for sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and meeting domestic and industrial needs.

Ponds, tanks & stepwells

Traditional water bodies like stepwells, temple tanks, and village ponds have historically been lifelines for rural communities. These small reservoirs helped store rainwater for irrigation and drinking purposes but are now at risk due to urbanisation and neglect.

Unique Stepwells and tanks

India’s rich tradition of water conservation is reflected in its stunning stepwells like Rani ki Vav (a UNESCO site) and Chand Baori (one of the deepest). Historic structures like the Kallanai Dam, built over 2,000 years ago by Karikalan Chola, still support irrigation, while temple tanks like Pushkar Lake highlight the country’s sustainable water practices.

Sacred temple tanks: Many temples in South India have large water tanks, such as Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple Tank and Kamal Pushkarini in Hampi, which were once crucial for religious rituals and water conservation.

Rani ki vav
| Photo Credit:
Madhuvanti S Krishnan

Chand baori

Meenakshi Temple Tank

Pollution

Industrial discharge, plastic waste, and untreated sewage are major pollutants contaminating rivers, lakes, and ponds. The Ganga and Yamuna are among the most affected rivers due to urban and industrial waste.

Pilgrims offer prayers along the banks of the Ganges River strewn with flowers offered in religious rituals and plastic bottles at the break of dawn on March 04, 2025 in Varanasi.
| Photo Credit:
Abhishek Chinnappa

Polluted water of a drain that merges into the Yamuna river near Taj Mahal, in Agra.

Encroachment

Rapid urbanisation has led to the loss of many natural lakes and ponds. Wetlands are being filled for construction, reducing groundwater recharge and increasing the risk of floods. Wetlands act as natural flood buffers, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing flood severity.

The 2015 Chennai floods are a key example—wetland loss and urban expansion worsened the impact of heavy rainfall.

Zooming in on the largest wetland in India

Sundarbans Mangrove Wetlands (West Bengal) – The largest mangrove forest in the world, covering around 10,000 sq. km (with 4,200 sq. km in India). The ecosystem faces severe threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and human encroachment, endangering both biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Tourist boats in the Sundarbans.
| Photo Credit:
SHAILENDRA YASHWANT

A woman is standing in front of her house which is under water due to tidal flood in Mousuni Island, Sundarbans.
| Photo Credit:
Supratim Bhattacharjee

India has lost nearly 35% of its wetlands in the last four decades due to urbanisation and encroachment. Over 50% of wetlands in major Indian cities (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai) have disappeared due to construction and land use changes.

Zooming in on Ganga

The Ganga, one of India’s most sacred and significant rivers, is also among the most polluted. High levels of faecal coliform bacteria, especially in cities like Varanasi and Kanpur, indicate severe contamination from untreated sewage and human waste. Industrial effluents, plastic waste, and urban run-off further degrade its water quality. Despite various clean-up efforts, pollution remains a major challenge, impacting both the environment and millions who rely on the river for daily needs.

Gopal Pandey, a laboratory technician checks a river water sample collected to test for faecal coliform bacteria from the Ganges River in the Swatcha Ganga Research Laboratory, a collaborative project of the Sankat Mochan Foundation, State Bank of India (SBI), the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and the Australian High Commission for India, New Delhi, on March 05, 2025 in Varanasi, India.
| Photo Credit:
Abhishek Chinnappa

Overuse & mismanagement

Excessive damming, sand mining, and over-extraction of water have led to shrinking rivers and depleting lakes. Many traditional water bodies are drying up due to neglect, reducing their role in water conservation. Sustainable management is crucial to preserving India’s surface water resources.

Looking back into history

Water management has been an integral part of Indian civilisation for thousands of years, with advanced systems designed for storage, trade, and daily use.

Harappan Water Systems

The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest examples of public water storage, possibly used for ritualistic purposes. The reservoirs of Dholavira in Gujarat highlight the sophisticated rainwater harvesting techniques of the Harappan civilisation.

Lothal’s Dockyard

The ancient port city of Lothal (Gujarat) had an advanced dockyard, showcasing early water management for trade. It featured a well-planned drainage system and a basin for ships, proving the importance of water in commerce.

The most scientifically built dock-yard with an inlet of its age of Lothal. It had water-locking arrangements. It was built as an artifiicial basin for sluciing ships at high tide. Vessels from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Dil mun (Bahrain) and Magen, loaded with goods, berthed there. After unloading their goods and receiving fresh supplies of water & food, these vessels returned to their countries. The ships were serviced at the dock-yard. The Harappans had built the ebb and flow of the tides before they built the dock-yard, the dockyard was built at the mouth of the river Sabarmati.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI

Protection and policies

To safeguard India’s surface water resources, several policies and initiatives have been implemented to promote conservation and sustainable management.

• Wetland Conservation Rules, 2017: These rules aim to protect wetlands from encroachment, pollution, and degradation. They regulate activities that may harm these ecosystems and encourage local participation in conservation efforts.

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Gange): Launched in 2014, this flagship program focuses on river rejuvenation, pollution control, and sustainable water management in the Ganga basin. It includes sewage treatment projects, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation.

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: This initiative promotes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient water use across India. It focuses on water conservation efforts in both rural and urban areas to ensure long-term water security.

Wake up, before we run dry!

We worship our rivers, yet we poison them every day. 46% of India’s rivers are polluted. A nation that reveres water is turning it into a toxic wasteland.

Villagers are seen as they are heading towards the remaining water of a river to collect waters for their families domestic uses just outskirts of Kantabanji town of Balanir district of western Odisha. Maximum stream line rivers are dried out in every summer season and people always facing water scarcity in these areas.
| Photo Credit:
BISWARANJAN ROUT

Every single day, 38,000 million litres of untreated sewage flow into our rivers—pollution on a scale we cannot ignore. In Chennai alone, 250 million litres of raw waste is dumped into water bodies daily. We generate over 72,000 million litres of sewage but can treat only 32,000 million litres. The math is simple—we are drowning in our own waste.

Why? Because funding flows where public interest is loudest. While programs like Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange have tried, lack of effective implementation is killing our progress.

This isn’t a slow-moving crisis—it’s happening now. If we don’t act, water conflicts won’t be a distant threat; they will be our reality.

When a structure spanning 17,000 sq. ft. needs to be accommodated within a 7,500 sq. ft. site already occupied by over 20 Gulmohar, Mango, Silver Oak, and Christmas trees, the task becomes challenging. It is heightened when the aim is to retain the dense, mature trees, and integrate the building seamlessly into their midst. Yet, architect Arjun Nambisan of Balan and Nambisan Architects (BNA) accomplished just that, designing a multi-dwelling complex that winds through the trees, some of which are incorporated into the building’s interiors.

“The design was a response to what existed on the site, the context of the location, the prevailing site conditions”, says Nambisan, elaborating on the approach adopted in his project Vaishnavi Rhapsody, to retain the existing trees and build around them. “A couple of trees had to be moved, but we successfully relocated them in the site”, he adds.

Needless to say, this endeavour required meticulous mapping of the trees, with guidance from a horticulturist, to ensure the best conservation strategy within the limited space.

Based on the inputs gleaned from the horticulturist, the foundation was laid around the trees, with the roots, stem and branches mapped using a LiDAR survey. “Through the LiDAR survey, the growth path of the trees was ascertained including their existing boundaries. This helped to steer clear from this growth path and prevent their suffocation by the ensuing structure”, explains Nambisan. “A detailed study of the root system and how it works was done to ensure the bulk of the roots are not cut or penetrated by the upcoming structure.”

A tree intrusion

While need a sensitive design, addressing the massing, Nambisan also ensured the building complied with vaastu requirements. Interestingly, the initial concept that he floated was more unconventional and bolder than the final iteration that was executed. “We envisaged bringing in the trees on a much larger scale into the structure in the form of skylit courtyards where each unit of the multi-dwelling would house a tree, the structure built around it”, he elaborates.

However, given the multi-dwelling model solicited instead of being a single dwelling, the concept adopted had to be more practical to conform to a community residence. What emerged was a structure housing a series of balconies and decks that serve as courtyards where a tree is permitted to pierce through their space and into the vertical expanse of the building. In one of the dwellings, given the existence of a tree in the space where the toilet was to be built, the walls of the toilet were craftily sculpted around it, the tree reaching in and dictating the size and shape of this toilet.

Challenges galore

Even though the existing trees were meticulously mapped to understand their root structure, and future growth patterns, before designing the building and working on the foundation, many challenges were still encountered at the time of construction, says Architect Janice Rodrigues, who worked closely on the project. “While executing the foundation, one of the existing trees fell, and this happened after meticulous mapping and planning had been completed. The tree was then saved with the help of a horticulturist”, she recalls.

The other challenge Nambisan and his team faced was the requirement to fit a built area of 17,000 sq.ft. into the tight site of 7,500 sq.ft. “This meant every inch of the space had to be efficiently used”, points Nambisan. “It called for a high-level planning to ensure there was value-add in every segment of the site.” Thus, an open plan prevails at ground level with the setback spaces and tree cover converted into community relaxation and interaction zones. At the conceptual level, this also blurs the boundaries of the inside and outside spaces.

The challenges encountered did not stop with the design and execution but extended to educating the workforce to take appropriate care of the existing trees during the construction. This called for a strong barricade around the trees to prevent cement, nails and construction debris from ruining them. Where trimming of branches was required, it was addressed scientifically after consultations with the horticulturist on “what could be trimmed and what could not be.”

Glass, steel and greens

In tune with the abounding greens in the site, the façade of the building is kept simple, speaking a language of steel and glass that is interspersed with brick and wood, the cover of greens lending a sense of warmth and earthiness to the structure. “We adopted a composite structure of RCC and steel to permit the trees to fuse into the decks of the individual units in the complex”, explains Nambisan. The step-out decks of each dwelling are thus a cantilevered steel structure that plugs into the RCC frame. The individual dwellings also display a deft blurring of boundaries between the interiors and exteriors, creating a visual expanse in the spaces.

This openness in the design keeps the interiors naturally lit and ventilated, negating the need for artificial lighting.

Large overhangs over the openings and decks further reduce heat ingress while visually opening the interiors to the greens. Interestingly, this sensitive approach in the design of the structure around the trees also prompted dispensing with a basement car park and instead assigning the parking organically between the trees in the front section of the building.

The terrace of the building houses a large common area that is once again suffused in greens, along with a kitchen and bar counter to serve as a community gathering space. The canopy of greens covering this terrace space lends the feel of living amidst thick woods rather than on a tight site in a dense urban neighbourhood. The four-level structure houses five single-level units and two duplex units. Because of its unique design, the project received the IIA Award for Excellence in Architecture 2021 under the category, Residential Projects B.

Athar Jamath Mosque
| Photo Credit: K Ananthan

As Coimbatore prepares for Eid al-Fitr, a heritage walk invites residents to step into the heart of the celebrations. Organised by KV Siddhartha of Coimbatore Art and Theatrical Society (CATS), the Talk-A-Walk Eid special will take participants through some of the city’s most vibrant areas — Athar Jamath Masjid, Big Bazaar Street, and Karumbukadai.

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramzan, is a time of spiritual renewal, community gatherings, and festive indulgence. During the month of Ramzan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, breaking their fast at sunset with iftar — often starting with dates. The festival itself is a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, where families come together for prayers, feasting, and charity.

It is this spirit of festivity that Siddhartha hopes to capture in the Talk-A-Walk event. “The heritage walks we conduct have been going on for a couple of years, but this is the first time we’re formally organising one around Eid,” he says. “Last year, my wife and I visited Karumbukadai and were captivated by the vibrant colours and atmosphere. I felt others should experience it too, to better relate to the occasion.”

A perfume shop near Athar Jamath
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The walking route

The walk will commence at the Athar Jamath Masjid, a mosque deeply rooted in Coimbatore’s history. “It was established by perfume traders from Tirunelveli, which is why it is named after athar (perfume),” Siddhartha explains. “Unlike some of the more ornamental mosques, it is relatively simple, yet significant.”

From the mosque, participants will move through the bustling Big Bazaar area, where markets, roadside eateries, and local vendors will be in full swing, preparing for Eid. “This event is not just about fasting — there is a lot of feasting and shopping involved,” Siddhartha says. “I can safely assume that the roadside shops and eateries will be packed with people buying sweets, clothes, and other festival essentials.”

The final leg of the walk will take participants to Karumbukadai, a locality known for its strong cultural identity. “We’ll drive under the flyover and explore the area, but the walk needs a clear start and end point,” Siddhartha explains.

A food stall in Karumbukadai
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Not just a walk

For Siddhartha, these heritage walks are about fostering a deeper connection with one’s city. “Often, we take our local heritage for granted. Through Talk-A-Walk, I have learned so much about Coimbatore’s history, and I believe others should too.”

He says that participants are free to explore the neighbourhood for an hour, after which they will meet once again before wrapping up.

Heritage walks like these, Siddhartha believes, are essential to fostering civic pride and understanding. “If you want to take pride in your town and understand what changes can be made, you need to experience it firsthand. Otherwise, it’s just hearsay. We’re looking for 12 participants, and maybe half of them will later organise something independently with their families.”

On 30 March, at 6pm. With only 12 spots available, those keen on joining can register by sending ‘25C-034D+Name’ via WhatsApp to 98942 88422.

Furniture and antique brand Traditional Handicraft Centre (THC) in Jodhpur started three generations ago because of a unique fascination. “My grandfather used to collect old arms and ammunition and sell them to galleries and other collectors. Slowly this evolved into dealing in antiques and from there we transitioned to manufacturing and exporting handicrafts,” says third-generation entrepreneur and partner at THC, Priyank Gupta.

Waste not

The theme of THC gives Gupta the most satisfaction, and that is “finding value from salvage”.

“Our raw material is reclaimed. The products that we source from 32 different sites and centres around India are all part of items discarded, or destroyed. We reclaim them from demolished houses. The idea of using those pieces and giving them life — be it doing bone inlay, painting work, or carving work — is something I find very inspiring. As do my wife Palak Dhanuka and sister Vrinda Agarwal,” says Gupta.

Priyank Gupta
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Products are sourced from different parts of India. “Paper mache is sourced from Kashmir, while most teakwood items are sourced from the south of India. Bone inlay comes from Rajasthan. Pieces from Nagaland are mostly made of a single trunk, which works best for minimalist decor pieces. Teak doors come from havelis. We get a lot of Raj-era teakwood furniture from Kerala. The carvings on the items would reveal which location each of them is from,” says Dhanuka.

Nearly 90% of their products are created with reclaimed wood. But more than the selling of the finished product, the most effort goes into sourcing the material and processing it. Dhanuka says, “We prefer calling it reclaimed wood furniture and not second-chance furniture, as often they’re not furniture items but art decor, they’re collectables. Sometimes the functionality of the item is gone. A door is not used as a door but a mirror, a cabinet as a centre table etc. So they are one-of-a-kind pieces.”

The back-end process can be very time-consuming. “When we get this raw material, we have to clean it, and make sure all nails are out; we have to fix as much as we can, patching up the holes and so on. Our accumulation capacity right now is 1,200 tonnes; it’s a very good capacity for reclaimed teak wood, but the supply has to be all year,” says Gupta about the brand, whose pieces have been featured in Mumbai’s T2 Aiport, and the sets of major television series such as Game of Thrones and Lord of The Rings.

Palak Dhanuka
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Art speaks

Often the design of the furniture or product is foretold by the “raw material.” While both Dhanuka and Agarwal are designers, Gupta says the pieces created out of the material are something that often comes instinctively to their 300-plus contractors. “It is almost as if that is what the piece is asking for,” he says.

It can lead to surprising outcomes. For example, part of their newest range comes from old furniture and decoratives from Nagaland. “These pieces are discarded because people are creating modern concrete homes where these would have been wasted. We have recreated them with Rajasthani bone inlay and reimagined them as coffee tables or bedside tables,” says Gupta.

An imposing teakwood throne accented with brass detailing. 
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Beauty in diversity

Gupta does not foresee a challenge in adapting a THC product even in minimalist austere modern spaces. “I think even if our homes are private and calm, there are always one or two pieces that showcase our culture. Our homes can never be too minimalist. We cannot create 100 identical pieces of furniture because reclaimed wood will come with its patina and workmanship. The advantage of reclaimed furniture is that the wood is very sturdy. It is seasoned over time — for 50 years and more. It is for this reason that the price, when compared to a product made of new teak, is slightly more,” says Gupta.

Currently, THC does not have a retail store. The company is based out of Jodhpur, where all the products are on display. Customers can visit the factory and select the items they wish to buy. A few products can be bought online at shop.thcindia.in. Prices begin at ₹800 for a small paper mache pot; furniture cost is ₹10,000 upwards.

The writer is an independent journalist and consultant.