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Environment
Lake Rejuvenation Campaign
Bangalore, does not have a natural source of perennial water. Hence, in the sixteenth century, lakes were constructed in a cascading series by building dams and overflowing weirs on the natural valley systems.
Thus, the lakes have been the main source of water for the citizens of Bangalore. Most of the lakes are used for the purpose of drinking water, irrigation and fishing. The lakes have also served to replenish ground water resources in the vicinity, which are tapped through wells for drinking water.
Lakes in the city have been encroached on for urban infrastructure expansion and converted to bus stands, golf courses, playgrounds and residential colonies, diversely impacting the existing lakes.
According to a scientific study conducted by the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, the water bodies of the city have reduced from 3.40 per cent in 1973 to just about 1.47 per cent in 2005 with built up area during the corresponding period increasing to 45.19 per cent from 27.30 per cent.
Following are the outcomes of rapid depletion of water bodies in the city:
- The water quality has declined due to high level of pollution
- Flora and fauna has deteriorated due to depletion of dissolved oxygen
- Precipitation has reduced due to conversion of lake spaces into constructed areas
- Sanctuaries for birds has been lost
- Environment-related diseases have increased
- Frequent flooding and micro–climatic changes in the city
- Fishing community and washer-men will be robbed of their livelihood
While BBMP has plunged into action to address the situation, there is far greater need to bring awareness among the citizens and engage them in efforts to rejuvenate the Dying Lakes in Bangalore.
BBMP in its efforts to save lakes have started the rejuvenation work on Lakes in Bangalore. To find out more about BBMP efforts to rejuvenate lakes click here
In the first phase BBMP is doing the following:
- Reclaiming encroached Lake Area
- Fencing
- Sewage diversion, setting Sewage Treatment Plants
- Providing walking path / landscaping / benches, etc.
Desilting, bund improvement, revetment and turfing complete at Putenahalli lake
The challenge is to maintain the lakes 24/7 round the year to ensure:
- Ensure reclaimed lake area will not be encroached
- No sewage is diverted in lakes
- No garbage is dumped
- Lakes are cleaned on regular basis
- Children play equipments, lights etc. work round the year
- Ensure the community living around Lake are protecting them.
Cobble, kerb and turfing complete at Putenhalli lake
Encourgaged by the Karnataka High Court order dated March 3rd 2011 to invovle community to protect the Lakes, click here to download the order, United Way Bengaluru along with multiple stakeholders including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), NGOs, Corporate Houses, Educational Institutes, Resident Welfare Associations, Community Leaders and General Public launched Lake Rejuvenation Campaign to supplement Lake Rejuvenation efforts. The goal is to make Lakes people-friendly, inculcate a sense of community ownership of Lakes among the people residing in close proximity and prevent Lakes from further degradation.
To find out how you can participate click here