Articles by Arathi Manay Yajaman

Agara Lake is an expanse of about 98 acres, lying between Koramangala and HSR Layout. Pic: Google maps A few years ago, in 2007, there were plans for the lake area to be converted into an amusement park. However, amidst protests and petitions, this did not happen. In 2012, the Lake Development Authority (LDA) took back possession of the lake and it had indicated that it would welcome the active involvement of citizens and NGOs in getting the lake back to its former splendour.  Home to many birds and a place of recreation, today Agara Lake is in "not so good" shape, needing…

Agara Lake is an expanse of about 98 acres, lying between Koramangala and HSR Layout. Pic: Google maps A few years ago, in 2007, there were plans for the lake area to be converted into an amusement park. However, amidst protests and petitions, this did not happen. In 2012, the Lake Development Authority (LDA) took back possession of the lake and it had indicated that it would welcome the active involvement of citizens and NGOs in getting the lake back to its former splendour.  Home to many birds and a place of recreation, today Agara Lake is in "not so good" shape, needing…

The Horamavu area (BBMP Ward 25) in the north eastern part of Bangalore is dotted with several lakes. As is the case with most of Bangalore’s lakes, they are subjected to dumping of debris and garbage, sewage and encroachment. Saddened by the plight of these lakes, some residents of the area have taken it on themselves to try to save them. They got together a few days ago, evaluated the state of the lakes and decided to focus on the two larger lakes for now – Horamavu Agara Lake and Jayanthinagar (Horamavu) Lake. To spread awareness about the status of…

The Horamavu area (BBMP Ward 25) in the north eastern part of Bangalore is dotted with several lakes. As is the case with most of Bangalore’s lakes, they are subjected to dumping of debris and garbage, sewage and encroachment. Saddened by the plight of these lakes, some residents of the area have taken it on themselves to try to save them. They got together a few days ago, evaluated the state of the lakes and decided to focus on the two larger lakes for now – Horamavu Agara Lake and Jayanthinagar (Horamavu) Lake. To spread awareness about the status of…

The heavy rains on 31st May - 1st June helped raise the water level in several parts of Puttenahalli Lake by upto about 16 inches. With this about 65-75% of the lake bed is under water. We're waiting for a few more similar downpours to bring the level higher.  The Lake, 1st June 2013 (Pic: Usha Rajagopalan)The rains also cooled the place making the gardening weekend thoroughly enjoyable for all the volunteers. Over the two mornings, starting at 7 a.m., about 50 people coming from various parts of the city, helped in digging pits, planting shrubs, cleaning (plastics and other litter)…

The heavy rains on 31st May - 1st June helped raise the water level in several parts of Puttenahalli Lake by upto about 16 inches. With this about 65-75% of the lake bed is under water. We're waiting for a few more similar downpours to bring the level higher.  The Lake, 1st June 2013 (Pic: Usha Rajagopalan)The rains also cooled the place making the gardening weekend thoroughly enjoyable for all the volunteers. Over the two mornings, starting at 7 a.m., about 50 people coming from various parts of the city, helped in digging pits, planting shrubs, cleaning (plastics and other litter)…

People who participate in community gardening have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI), as well as lower odds of being overweight, than their non-gardening neighbours and siblings. This is according to a study by Dr Cathleen Zick (Professor of Family and Consumer Studies) and her colleagues from the University of Utah, USA, published on April 18, 2013 in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). The study concluded that "Community gardens may be a valuable element of land use diversity that merits consideration by public health officials who want to identify neighborhood features that promote health." More details of…

People who participate in community gardening have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI), as well as lower odds of being overweight, than their non-gardening neighbours and siblings. This is according to a study by Dr Cathleen Zick (Professor of Family and Consumer Studies) and her colleagues from the University of Utah, USA, published on April 18, 2013 in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). The study concluded that "Community gardens may be a valuable element of land use diversity that merits consideration by public health officials who want to identify neighborhood features that promote health." More details of…

The enchanting sight of infinite pink spots on the marshy Sewri mudflats is enough justification for a ride into this dusty, smoky industrial part of south Mumbai. Located along the Arabian Sea, on the eastern coast of the island city, the Sewri (pronounced Shivdi) Jetty is where the Mumbai Port Trust, Tata Electricals, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the refineries of ONGC, BPCL and HP are located. Dominated by mangroves, it is also the place where 15,000-17,000 migratory flamingos spend a few months every year (generally October-March). Infinite pinks spots with the backdrop of oil refineries Of the five flamingo…

The enchanting sight of infinite pink spots on the marshy Sewri mudflats is enough justification for a ride into this dusty, smoky industrial part of south Mumbai. Located along the Arabian Sea, on the eastern coast of the island city, the Sewri (pronounced Shivdi) Jetty is where the Mumbai Port Trust, Tata Electricals, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the refineries of ONGC, BPCL and HP are located. Dominated by mangroves, it is also the place where 15,000-17,000 migratory flamingos spend a few months every year (generally October-March). Infinite pinks spots with the backdrop of oil refineries Of the five flamingo…