The Art of Living in association with Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayatraj Department has launched the Phase-I Cauvery Rejuvenation Project in Kodagu, which is expected to benefit 1.5 lakh people in 10 gram panchayats.
Earlier, AoL had implemented rejuvenation projects for over 35 rivers and tributaries in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
"Both government and civil society should come together to protect rivers and also safeguard catchment area of the river by planting locally suitable trees, cleaning even the smallest of streams and avoiding construction of big structures in the area," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the project at Bhagamandala, where the river originates.
Mysuru MP Pratap Simha said Kodagu is an ecologically sensitive area which needs to be protected.
He welcomed AoL's initiative, which will restore ecological balance, according to a AoL release.
The AoL works with a team of hydrogeologists and experts in ISRO, IISC, geotechnical groups and IT groups, who have prepared a comprehensive Watershed Management Programme.
"They will provide infrastructure and mobilise people of the area through capacity building measures like meditation programmes, skill development and leadership training to work for the implementation of the project," it said.
"The first phase will see the construction of 751 water recharge structures across the district," AoL said.
A majority of the districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are depending on Cauvery water for irrigation, and Bengaluru gets most of its water supply from this river.
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