About Us
Humanity faces grave threats. Millions experience chronic water and food insecurity, while resource depletion, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change impede our ability to address this crisis. It is critical to change production and consumption systems such that they nurture rather than destroy the planet. For this, we require research and innovation that is solution-oriented, interdisciplinary and has tangible impacts.
That’s why we started Water, Environment, Land and Livelihoods (WELL) Labs.
We work with governments, businesses, multilateral institutions and civil society groups to co-create science-backed solutions that improve people’s lives and livelihoods and sustain nature.
Our Approach
Envision
Envision models for the future that prioritise community-based aspirations and roadmaps
Enable
Enable change through policy, innovation, sustainable scaling and partnerships
Evidence
Evidence to fill critical research gaps and establish best practices
The Team
We are a team of water experts, entrepreneurs, architects, economists, social scientists and communication experts, using our complementary skills to build a world resilient enough to deal with the ever-evolving water, environment, land and livelihood challenges that our planet faces.
Partners
In The News
URBAN WATER
Making Every Drop Count
Published in Deccan Herald
‘The adoption of several past research studies, some currently underway, is looking into the change in consumer mindset and aversion to wastewater reuse. There should be a higher degree of awareness and consumer education on treated water in our society’.
Rural Futures
People-Centric Approach to Tackling Poverty in India
Published in Revolve
Nature-based solutions like carbon offsets should prioritize people, encompass entire landscapes, and align with poverty alleviation objectives.
Products and Platforms
Rethinking Pilots: Why Modelling May Be a Better Option
Published in India Development Review
Do we need to rethink how government schemes are tested? Pilots typically precede mass rollout of government schemes, but their success in India’s diverse contexts may vary. Are modelling exercises in the form of simulations a more efficient alternative?
Urban Water
Lake Health Index Reveals Pollution Concerns in Bengaluru’s Water Bodies
Published in Citizen Matters
The citizen-driven Lake Health Index project assessed the condition of three lakes in the city: Ulsoor, Doddabommasandra and Shivapura. The water crisis has led experts and the government to reconsider using lakes as a source of water, either by storing treated wastewater or harvested rainwater.
Gallery
WELL Labs launch, New Delhi, 2023
(From left) Dr Veena Srinivasan, Executive Director, WELL Labs, speaks with Dr Alok Sikka, Dr Shambu Prasad and Mr Amandeep Panwar at India International Centre.
WELL Labs launch, New Delhi, 2023
Dr Alok Sikka, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Representative – India, launches the report ‘Farmer Responses to Solar Irrigation in India’
WELL Labs launch, New Delhi, 2023
Dr Ashok Gulati, leading agricultural economist and Distinguished Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) delivers the keynote address.
WELL Labs launch, New Delhi, 2023
Mr Kapil Viswanathan, President of IFMR and Vice-Chairman, Executive Committee, Krea University, speaks about WELL Labs as he launches the centre.
Water Workshop at EAWAG, Zurich, 2023
Shreya Nath speaks with other experts at a water workshop in EAWAG, Zurich
United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress 2022
(From left) Dr Ashish Sinha Lakshmi Pranuti Choppakatla and Craig Dsouza at UNWGIC.
United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress 2022
Our team members explain Jaltol to attendees at UNWGIC.
United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress 2022
(From left) Dr Ashish Sinha, Craig Dsouza and Lakshmi Pranuti Choppakatla at UNWGIC.
Raichur visit – Baseline assessment study, 2022
A WELL Labs team member studying natural resources during a visit to rural Karnataka
Raichur visit – Baseline assessment study, 2022
WELL Labs teams member studying natural resources during a visit to rural Karnataka
Raichur visit – Baseline assessment study, 2022
WELL Labs team listening to villagers during a visit to Rural Karnataka
Traditional farming – Akkadi saalu
G. Prabhakar, a farmer who practices a traditional form of intercropping called Akkadi Saalu, demonstrates to WELL Labs researchers.