Teenage Innovator Tackles Urban Sustainability in Bangalore

A 17-year-old from Bangalore is applying scientific research and civic advocacy to address urban environmental challenges such as water pollution and traffic safety. Aarush Moramchetty has developed practical solutions for sustainable city living, gaining recognition for his work on lake restoration and urban design.

His research into the water quality of Bangalore's Ulsoor Lake, published in the International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences, identified dangerously high levels of coliform bacteria, highlighting a pressing public health concern. In response to these findings, Moramchetty engineered a prototype floating wetland from recycled materials. This innovation is designed to naturally filter pollutants from the water. Initial pilot tests of the prototype showed a promising 33% reduction in aluminium contamination, offering a potential low-cost method for revitalising urban water bodies.

Alongside his environmental work, Moramchetty is advocating for safer urban infrastructure. He authored a child-friendly streets manifesto, presented at the ICSHE conference, which argues for a shift away from car-centric urban planning in India. His approach considers not only physical safety from traffic but also how the urban environment affects a child's overall development.

His analysis extends to international contexts, where he used GIS mapping to study over 1,000 homes in four United States cities. This research demonstrated that proximity to public transit can generate a rental price premium of 7-12%, providing a data-driven argument for equitable access to transportation. To make complex topics of urban planning and economics more accessible, Moramchetty runs a YouTube channel, Investate Education, which has accumulated over 30,000 views and engages hundreds of young people.

This combination of local action and global research is unified by a focus on creating more liveable, "15-minute" neighbourhoods where daily essentials are within walking distance. His efforts have earned him several international accolades, including a CREST Gold Award for his environmental research and honours in the World Economics Cup and International Finance Olympiad. According to a press release from which this story is sourced, his local impact has also been recognised by a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Karnataka.

Aarush Moramchetty's work demonstrates how grassroots innovation can address complex urban issues like sustainability and road safety. His story, rooted in the specific challenges of Bangalore but informed by global research, points to a growing role for youth in shaping the future of cities.