The past month at the lakes

Some of the happenings about Bangalore’s lakes this past month. Click the links to read the full stories and reports.

Ganesha immersions 

The days of Ganesh Chaturthi are usually high tension for lake lovers in Bangalore. A couple of weeks before the festival there were reports of how BBMP was gearing up, given that 3 lakh idols were expected to be immersed. There was a lot of publicity to persuade people to get eco-Ganeshas and encourage immersions in mobile tanks.

Worshippers though seem to have had other ideas to please God. While there is no accurate record of the actual number of Ganeshas sold or immersed, data collected on the resultant lake pollution does not look good. Wonder what Ganesha is thinking after seeing the pictures posted by Malleswaram resident Vani Murthy on her facebook page. Taken at Sankey Tank, they show hundreds of Ganeshas in various stages of decomposition. Many in fact would never decompose and could actually be salvaged for next year. See one of her many pictures below. 

Ganeshas at Sankey Tank (Pic: Vani Murthy)

Heavy rains

With the heavy rainfall during this past month, many of the lakes are full. While the lake lovers would be rejoicing, those whose homes got flooded (attributed to encroachment of storm water drains) have been left with much to do to prevent this in future. There are some lakes that do not have connectivity to catchment areas and these are still water deprived. In Bangalore, storm water drains and lakes are closely associated and a focused effort can ensure that lake revival is no myth.  

Administrative action

On 29th August 2013, the government was issued a contempt of court notice by the High Court for failure to form lake protection committees.

The Chief Minister made a surprise visit to Agara Lake, following reports of dengue in the HSR area.

Prompted by media reports on violation of environment laws, the Lake Development Authority inspected Bengaluru’s controversial SEZ project off Bellandur Lake and asked KIADB to stop the construction. A PIL filed by citizens is still in court.

Much still needs to be done to save the land of a thousand lakes. The rains this year will relieve the water crisis, but for long term sustainability, the lakes are the key.

Citizen activity

When citizens come together, it has been shown that lakes can be successfully sustained. Kaikondrahalli Lake is a thriving eco-system and full of birds. Puttenahalli Lake at long last has water and is becoming an avian nursery. Residents of Alahalli Lake area are working every weekend to clean up their lake and bring it back to life.

Narasipura Lake in Vidyaranyapura has been facing an unexpected challenge, theft of bamboo shoots!

Challakere Lake in HRBR Layout is looking for help. Citizens can surely save it! 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Unplanned growth, flawed notification endanger Delhi wetlands

Increased public involvement and lessons from successful restoration attempts can help revive the crucial wetlands under threat in the city.

Have you been to the Surajpur wetland, near Surajpur village in Gautam Budh Nagar district? Located in the midst of an expansive industrial city under the administrative purview of the Greater Noida Development Authority, it reveals itself as a mosaic of a sprawling lake, towering trees and thousands of birds, many flying in from distant lands. As you enter the wetland, the guards tell you not to go beyond the second viewpoint. It is untamed territory, the domain of many wild animals, they warn.  However, all has not been well in this sanctuary of nature. In January 2024, the Uttar…

Similar Story

Lake Health Index reveals pollution concerns in Bengaluru’s water bodies

The citizen-driven Lake Health Index project assessed the condition of three lakes in the city: Ulsoor, Doddabommasandra and Shivapura.

Bengaluru grapples with a persistent water stress, worsened by the decline in rainfall, overexploitation of groundwater and decreasing Cauvery River levels. The water crisis has led experts and the government to reconsider using lakes as a source of water, either by storing treated wastewater or harvested rainwater. The draining of lakes, like Bellandur and Varthur, for desilting has contributed to a major part of the groundwater crisis in Bengaluru. However, with the upcoming monsoon predicted to be normal, there is a looming concern regarding the lakes in the city. The anticipated rains may bring one of the highest influxes of…