PROJECT DHÄ€RÄ€
Taira Bhargava (IB2A) and Tia Bhalla (10B)
The initiative aims at creating a sustainable rainwater harvesting system using bioswales in community parks and public spaces in order to combat the growing water scarcity in the capital city. Our pilot project was implemented in Sagarpur West in the water-stressed region of Dwarka, New Delhi. We have created 1.5 acres of rain garden from barren land that will serve multiple purposes of water conservation, pollution alleviation, and recreation for the residents. The park has been officially handed over to the SDMC and RWA in December 2019. We are continuing to monitor the maintenance of the bioswales. We will be studying the impact of rainwater harvesting on groundwater tables post the monsoon for the first time this year.
In order to strengthen our water conservation drive, we simultaneously stepped up advocacy for mindful usage of water. Our 'banta thela' or mobile beverage cart started its journey alongside the project last year. The thela serves as a water conservation 'conversational piece'. It has traveled through two school campuses and a few neighborhoods initiating conversations on mindful usage of water. By selling beverages in half quantities, we urge people to consume as per need and to minimize wastage. In the interim, the pandemic has diverted the banta thela moving it online as we continue to champion our cause on the internet through '#Pani Save Karona'.
Winner of Harmony, Co-Creating Tomorrow 2019, tGELF
Rex Karamveer for Global Young Leaders Fellowship, 2019
Volunteer
We are looking for more volunteers to build the water conservation advocacy momentum through the banta thela and the online version #panisavekarona. ​
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Ideally, would like the cart to travel to other schools, fairs, festivals and neighbourhoods as soon as the pandemic eases. Would like volunteers to help build this advocacy by making beverages and taking the cart to several places across Delhi so that conversations around water conservations continue. Volunteers can identify a location, create the beverages, raise funds, and spread awareness.
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Also, looking for a team of creative volunteers who would like to create catchy water conservation labels for our banta bottles.
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Look forward to working with volunteers to help build the social media advocacy drive for #panisavekarona
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Would like to develop many more rain gardens around Delhi. Looking for collaborators in different neighborhoods.
There are no specific grade requirements.
Please contact our founders if you would like to volunteer!
These girls have shown exemplary commitment to working towards building a sustainable home city and a healthier planet. We consider these young students as ambassadors of creativity. The community will be proud of the work they have done for years to come.
Mr Anil Bajpai, Lt. Governor of New Delhi
Tia Bhalla
Taira Bhargava
10B
IB2A
This initiative was created in August 2019. It is associated with external organisations.