This book is a detailed study by Dr. S. Manasi and Prof. K.V. Raju on land use change, on public-private people partnership on rural health programmes and on the environment with a special focus on understanding the role of culture in the environment, waste management and use of AYUSH systems of medicine. The authors have covered the aspects of climate changes, groundwater depletion and agricultural patterns and expanse of other resources. The focus is on traditional knowledge of ecology, protecting the environment indicating linkages between cultural practices and ecological protection, benefits of the usage of medicinal plants and the complete ecosystem which is the key for health promotion implicating climate change effects.
I believe that there is a huge difference between the healthcare service available in the city, which is world-class, and the healthcare service in the peri-urban area, which is of a very low level. Even their income levels are much better than the rural areas. Healthcare services are not in good state. The holistic approach in healthcare considers environmental, ecological, sociological and nutritional health and wellbeing. The focus is more on the prevention and early intervention with the treatments of homoeopathy, Ayurveda and naturopathy rather than depending only on western medical intervention. Several diseases can be prevented by nutritional support, environmental changes, proper hygiene and lifestyle modifications. Environmental pollution and excessive usage of chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers have caused a huge impact on health, thereby causing several disease conditions including cancer.
Environment and health is an important subject, which is now getting a lot of attention, and studies are showing some insights into this aspect. The traditional eating habits with locally grown foods are replaced by factory-made chemical-filled processed foods which is causing huge nutritional and health effect on the growing population. The focus on locally grown chemically free, fresh and nutritional vegetables, greens and millets is very important to improve health.
SOUKYA Foundation’s experiment goal with Jadigenahalli Panchayat, Hoskote Taluk (Bangalore Rural), in establishing Dr. Mathai Rural Holistic Health Centre is to provide AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) systems of medicine as an alternative to the western medicine with an aim to promote holistic health. Our experiment showed us a huge positive impact in and around several villages of Jadigenahalli Grama Panchayat. This was addressed by improving their nutrition, changing their lifestyle and introducing yoga which in turn reduced the dependence on western allopathic medicines, and these interventions are well documented in this book. This model has proved that the holistic health approach, which is more health oriented than disease oriented, will help people to take responsibility of their health with improved nutrition, proper sanitation and appropriate lifestyle habits.
I feel this study and research findings will be of help to the government in changing policies in the peri-urban areas. Besides, it will help researchers and students working on peri-urban areas, climate change and environment.

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Why This Book? 1

1.2 Peri-Urban Areas 4

1.3 Evolution of Peri-Urban Areas Around Indian Cities 6

      1.3.1 Peri-Urban Ecosystems 8

      1.3.2 Vulnerability in Peri-Urban Settlements 11

      1.3.3 Water Crisis and Insecurity in Peri-Urban Contexts 12

      1.3.4 Peri-Urban Changes and Concerns Over Food and Nutrition 13

      1.3.5 Threats to Peri-Urban Forestry 14

1.4 Urbanization in Peri-Urban Areas 14

      1.4.1 Urbanisation – Influence of Development Process 14

Annexures 20

      Annexure 1.1: Jadigenahalli – Peri-Urban Fringe of Bengaluru City 20

      Annexure 1.2: Study Area 21

      Annexure 1.3: Socio-Economic Status 24

      Annexure 1.4: Population and Households 24

      Annexure 1.5: Literacy Rate 25

      Annexure 1.6: Gender Status 25

      Annexure 1.7: Domestic and Drinking Water Sources 26

References 26

2 Land Use Changes and Groundwater Overuse 29

2.1 Background 29

2.2 Methodology 30

      2.2.1 Land Use Classes 30

      2.2.2 Description of Land Use Classes 31

      2.2.3 Well Inventory 32

2.3 Results 33

      2.3.1 Land Use Changes 33

      2.3.2 Groundwater Over Exploitation 43

      2.3.3 Distribution of Bore Wells as Against Land Use 52

      2.3.4 Farmers’ Perceptions and Interventions 57

      2.3.5 Farmers’ Coping Mechanisms 65

      2.3.6 Adaptations to Water Scarcity: Technological Adaptation 66

      2.3.7 Non-Technological Adaptation: Changing the Cropping Pattern 68

2.4 Changing Ecosystem of Jadigenahalli – Push and Pull Factors 68

      2.4.1 Agroforestry 70

      2.4.2 Status of Environment in Jadigenahalli 73

      2.4.3 Natural Resources Stock – Land Use and Groundwater 73

2.5 Societal Responses 74

2.6 Summary 76

Annexures 77

References 91

3 Holistic Health for Well-Being 93

3.1 Background 93

3.2 Dr. Mathai’s Rural Health Centre (DMRC) Soukya Foundation 98

3.3 Key Findings 99

      3.3.1 Awareness Creation 99

      3.3.2 Experiences and Perceptions 106

      3.3.3 Challenges 110

3.4 Towards a Sustainable Approach 113

      3.4.1 Youth Organisations 114

      3.4.2 Improving Communication Strategies – Home Remedies in Printed Form 116

      3.4.3 Influencing People on Life Style Changes and Holistic Treatment 116

      3.4.4 Need to Promote Organic Farming 117

      3.4.5 Need for Improved Sanitation 117

3.5 Summary 119

Annexures 120

References 120

4 Cultural Influences on Health, Traditions and Ecology 123

4.1 Background 123

4.2 Local Ecology and People’s Health 128

      4.2.1 Common Ailments 129

4.3 Socio-Cultural Practices and Ecological Significance 138

4.4 Sacred Trees, Temples and Ponds 140

      4.4.1 Ashwath Katte (Sacred Trees) 141

      4.4.2 Ownership & Management of Sacred Trees 142

      4.4.3 People Worshipping Trees 143

4.5 Temples and Natural Resources Conservation 144

      4.5.1 Village Temples 144

      4.5.2 Sacred Ponds 147

4.6 Summary 150

References 151

5 Summary 155

References 160

Index 161

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