18/07/2026
What happens when a lake goes to court?
Last Sunday, Dragonfly Reads and Lifetide brought together citizens, environmentalists, researchers, and activists for a thought provoking conversation around For a Deeply Democratic Blue Revolution in Karnataka by Leo F. Saldanha and Bhargavi S. Rao.
The discussion explored the landmark legal battle to protect Bengaluru’s lakes and rajakaluves, while asking much larger questions about democracy, ecological governance, and who has the right to shape our shared commons. It reflected on how our lakes have increasingly been treated as assets to be monetised, rather than living ecosystems that sustain both people and biodiversity.
Drawing from decades of work by the Environment Support Group (ESG), speakers shared how citizen action, public participation, and persistent legal advocacy have played a crucial role in protecting Bengaluru’s water bodies. The book is as much about democracy as it is about lakes. It is a reminder that ecological decisions cannot be left to a few, and that informed citizens have an essential role in safeguarding the places we all depend on.
As conversations around urban development continue, it is easy to forget that ecology is at the heart of our cities. Our lakes, wetlands, rajakaluves, groundwater, trees, and neighbourhoods are deeply interconnected, and protecting one means protecting the whole.
An evening that reminded us that meaningful change begins with asking better questions, staying informed, and recognising that the future of our cities depends on citizens who choose to participate.
