Media Release
Bengaluru, Feb 10: From inventing an alternate eco-friendly fuel to a working windmill model that blows garbage from the lakes, young innovators will present solutions that will address environment and civic solutions at the third edition of Janaagraha’s annual Bengaluru Civic Fest, scheduled to be held on February 11, 2020. The fest will engage over 2000 students in the civic problem-solving process through various activities.
The highlight of the fest is Janaagraha’s I Change My City Challenge. Over 14,000 students studying in Classes VI to XII across India had participated in I Change My City Challenge that was announced in August 2019.
Of the many entries, 25 teams are selected for presenting unique solutions that tackle civic issues that mar Indian cities. Each team will be given a stall, where they will present their projects, ideas and solutions and also interact with their peers.
Students of St Joseph’s Boys High School, Bengaluru have invented a ‘prototype alternate fuel’ made of acetylene. According to them, the fuel is not just cost-effective but cleaner and hence reduces CO2 emissions that pollute the environment.
Students of Smt Kamala Bai Educational Institution, Bengaluru, have created a working model of a smart irrigation system. The model aims to reduce water wastage and also save rainwater. The students have built a sensor which detects water drops and in-turn opens a catchment area which stores rainwater. Not just that, unlike traditional irrigation controllers that operate on a preset programmed schedule and timers, smart irrigation controllers monitor weather, soil conditions, evaporation and plant water use to automatically adjust the watering schedule to actual conditions of the site.
Meanwhile, students of Srinidhi Public School are promoting ‘zero’ waste campus. The students create interesting crafts such as storage bins using waste paper. The wet waste generated in the school is turned into high-quality compost, which is used in the school garden.
The fest is open to school children who will be a part of several experiential activities such as composting, fire safety and security, wealth out waste, board games, photo booths and child-friendly city inputs. Teacher engagement activities like crosswords, quiz, Pictionary have also been planned for the day.
“The fest is an excellent platform to meet young innovators and know their take on how issues that affect our society and neighbourhoods can be resolved,” said Janaagraha’s Civic Learning programme manager Prarthana Ramesh.
Bengaluru Civic Fest is the annual event conducted by Janaagraha Centre for citizenship and democracy. The Fest will bring together students from different schools to witness the spirit of sustainable citizenship through interactive sessions spread across the day.