The case study explores the rise of a citizen-led movement in Udaipur to conserve its lakes, which are vital to the city’s cultural and ecological heritage. With increasing pollution and inadequate government intervention, local residents and organisations have taken proactive steps to protect these water bodies through regular clean-up drives, legal petitions, and public awareness campaigns.
 

Over the years, various groups have engaged in legal advocacy, securing bans on harmful constructions and pushing for stricter environmental regulations. Alongside collective efforts, individuals have also played a crucial role by repurposing waste, documenting conservation activities, and educating the public about sustainable practices. Despite these initiatives, challenges such as public apathy, weak enforcement of regulations, and urban expansion continue to threaten the lakes. The case study highlights the significance of community involvement in environmental conservation and calls for stronger legal frameworks, greater public awareness, and collaborative governance to ensure the long-term preservation of Udaipur’s lakes.

Nāgrika-Connect is a nationwide movement towards reimagining the future of small-cities by tapping into the collective insight and imagination of citizens, citizen-groups and other city-based actors.It is initiated with the objective to learn from and support organisations engaged in citizen-focused work in small cities of India.Keeping them at the centre, unlocking local knowledge that can build unique and resilient cities.We aim to achieve this by creating platforms for communities to raise their voices, foster peer learning and find pathways to influence policymakers.Through it all we stay committed to provide research through fieldworks, city-based case studies and a network for inter-city learning and growth.