The ethnic and cultural aspects around water body in a pluralistic social
context influencing sustainable water management- The Sreevaraham Temple
pond
ABSTRACT
The water bodies in India are facing serious threats of pollution. Most of the freshwater lakes and
ponds have now been severely polluted due to human activities.
Even though in Kerala we receive a large amount of rainwater there are no unpolluted
waterbodies to receive the water which increases the water shortage. Before this becomes a
serious issue, we must stop the practice of waste dumping and bring back our polluted waters as
much as we can.
There are many solutions for this. This research paper uses cultural values as catalyst and how
they can bring a change to these problems. By increasing the interaction between people and
environment.
This project aims to explore the ethnic and cultural aspects of water use, bridging the information
gap regarding water use in culturally diverse cities. Primary study on how water bodies influence
the culture of different groups by exploring the changes in their daily life due to the water body
situated near them is accounted. Quantitative and qualitative research techniques are employed to
analysis water use and conservation related attitudes and behaviors among selected ethnic
communities.
The study seeks to identify the disparities and differences that exist across the ethnic groups in
attitude and behavior.
INTRODUCTION
Kerala state is situated on the South Western part of the Indian peninsula. The land is rich in the
availability of water but water resources are subject to increasing stress in many urban areas.
Managing water consumption and water supply are key issues for the sustainable development of
cities.
Despite a growing realisation among water managers and academics that water is increasingly
being polluted due to urbanization results, little research attention has been given to the possible
impacts that the ethnic and cultural diversity of a population may have on water consumption.
Aim
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The aim of this research is to assess the water use and perceptions of conservation among ethnic
communities through a case study of the Sreevaraham Temple Pond.
RESEARCH QUESTION
1) Does ethnicity influence water use?
a) Do differences or disparities exist across ethnic communities relating to water use and
conservation in terms of perceptions, attitudes and behaviours?
(b) If so, what differences exist?
(c) To what extent is ethnicity an influence?
(2) What are the reasons and factors that underpin the ethnic differences and disparities? In other
words, how does ethnicity influence water use and conservation?
(3) What are the implications of ethnic diversity for water demand management? More
specifically,
(a) What are the opportunities for engaging ethnic communities in water management while
maintaining important cultural values?
(b) What are the barriers encountered when engaging ethnic communities in water management?
(c) how did waterbody influence the culture of the ethnic groups around it?
(d) what is the interrelationship between the water body and the ethnic groups?
METHADOLOGY
1. Literature case studies of successful water restoration is studied and analyzed.
2. Primary Data
Questainnaire
Interviews and Observations : to establish a qualitative understanding.
Media Analysis
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3. Secondary data
Actual data of water consumption and activity mapping.
REFERENCES
Gong, M., 2018. Connection water ton Architecture, New Zealand: Master of Architecture (Professional)
Unitec Institute of Technology.
Padmanabhan, M., n.d. Spiritual Awakening, New Zealand: Unitec Institute of Technology New Zealand.
PENGPALA, A., 2015. Water you know?, New Zealand: Unitec Institute of Technology.
Sun, L., 2003. LOOKING FOR THE LOST WATER - RENEWAL OF XIAN-YU-KOU RIVERFRONT IN BEIJING , s.l.:
Graduate School of the University of Maryland.
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