Research
Welcome to WELL Labs’ knowledge repository. As a futures institute that enables research-based solutions and impact, we prioritise making our insights accessible to social innovators, researchers, allied communities and the public at large.
Challenges and Opportunities in Residential Decentralised Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Bengaluru
We explore the potential of decentralised sewage treatment plants, which are being promoted in cities like Bengaluru, to treat sewage at the source of generation
Net Water Positivity in the Indian Context: A Framework for Exploring Industrial Pathways to Water Sustainability
We explore how to bring aquifers back into balance by increasing recharge and reducing abstraction. We also make the case for a system of water credits to effectively drive collective action.
How Do We Manage Nutrient Levels in Urban Lakes?
This article is the sixth in a multi-part series on lakes that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lake related problems in Bangalore and approaches to address them. This article discusses how lake nutrients, specifically phosphorus, can be managed.
Insights from a Review of Water Security Plans
Water security plans (WSPs), which describe the current state of water challenges in the region under study and the interventions planned, are an important component of rural water security programmes. Based on our review, we argue that WSPs need to be more streamlined and must shift focus towards using water more efficiently (demand-side water management) and equitably.
Pathways for Building Climate Resilient Cities
Many Indian cities are already vulnerable to climate change. The financial damage from extreme events, like floods, heat, and drought is likely to be staggering. The urban poor will bear much of the burden. But, cities also hold the key to altering this trajectory. This report explores pathways to build climate-resilient cities through the integration of blue, grey and green infrastructure.
Pain Points on a Rocky Road: Journey Mapping Challenges CSOs Face with Interventions for Small & Marginal Farmers
This report details the ‘pain points’ or challenges CSOs face as they attempt to intervene at different stages in the farming process. This is based on fieldwork we carried out in four states – Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Leveraging Digital Tools and Shared Digital Assets to Address Rural Water Security in India
We conducted a series of interviews with Civil Society Organisations and philanthropic organisations to understand the role of data, maps, and digital tools in rural water security programmes. This report summarises our insights and suggested solutions.
What Does “Sustainable” Food Production around Bangalore Entail?
The agricultural landscape around Bangalore is experiencing environmental degradation – groundwater depletion, a decline in soil health and agrobiodiversity. Urbanisation and globalisation have changed the agricultural landscape as well as consumer preferences which in turn affect rural livelihoods and food production.
This article explores the complexity of sustainable food production in the semi-arid region around Bangalore.
Using Systems Thinking to Create a Sustainable Food System
The agricultural landscape around Bangalore is experiencing environmental degradation – groundwater depletion, a decline in soil health and agrobiodiversity. Urbanisation and globalisation have changed the agricultural landscape as well as consumer preferences which in turn affect rural livelihoods and food production.
This article explores the complexity of sustainable food production in the semi-arid region around Bangalore.
Lake Governance: The Pathway Forward
Indian cities are grappling with an ever-growing freshwater demand due to rapid urbanisation and exponential population growth. The treatment of the resultant wastewater has proved equally challenging. In this report, we explore the potential of decentralised sewage treatment plants, which are being promoted in cities like Bengaluru, to treat sewage at the source of generation.