Community Unites to Save the Kumudvathi River
On World Environment Day, artists, environmentalists, and citizens gather to revive the Kumudvathi River, a vital yet forgotten lifeline of Bengaluru.
KumudvathiWorld Environment DayBengaluruRiver ConservationCommunity EffortReal Estate NewsJun 02, 2025
The event will be held at Guruskool, a cultural space located along the banks of the Kumudvathi river. “People have forgotten that this river exists,” said Gopal Navale, director of Guruskool and a member of the artist collective ‘Kala Yatri’, the organiser of the event. “We want to change that not just through facts and speeches, but through shared experience and art.”
Kumudvathi Revival, taking place on June 5, will feature talks by experts like hydrologist Yale Lingaraju, who has mapped the river in detail and studied its underground water channels. There will also be the launch of a new book authored by a Kalayatri artist, and a live performance of the rain song “Male Male” by Blues Ghat.
The core of the gathering is the concern over a recent government proposal to reduce the protected buffer zone around the river from 1 kilometre to just 30 metres— a move which could allow real estate and industrial encroachment, endangering the river’s already fragile state. “This buffer zone was meant to protect the river’s catchment,” Navale said. “If it shrinks, the Kumudvati would vanish like Arkavathy and become a drain, filled with sewage.”
As the city grew bigger, the urban encroachment around Nandi Hills and all along that side increased, leading to the death of the river. There is still some traces of life at Kumudvathi, and we have to save her. For the last 20 years, a lot of people have been working to bring back life to this river, and this event is a crucial step in that direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kumudvathi Revival event?
The Kumudvathi Revival is an event organized by artists, environmentalists, and citizens to protect and remember the Kumudvathi River. It includes talks by experts, a book launch, and a live performance.
Why is the Kumudvathi River important?
The Kumudvathi River is a vital lifeline for Bengaluru, providing water and ecological balance. It is also a part of the city's history and cultural heritage.
What is the current threat to the Kumudvathi River?
The main threat is a government proposal to reduce the protected buffer zone around the river from 1 kilometre to just 30 metres, which could lead to real estate and industrial encroachment.
Who is organizing the Kumudvathi Revival event?
The event is organized by the artist collective ‘Kala Yatri’ and the cultural space Guruskool, along with other environmentalists and citizens.
What can individuals do to help save the Kumudvathi River?
Individuals can participate in the Kumudvathi Revival event, spread awareness about the river, and support local conservation efforts. They can also write to local authorities to oppose the reduction of the buffer zone.
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