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Environment
Wake the Lake Campaign
An initiative to restore 11 lakes in and around Bangalore
Bangalore once boasted of around 300 lakes. The city was often referred to the city of lakes. However, the situation has changed now. The effect of urbanisation has taken a heavy toll on the beautiful lakes in Bangalore. There has been an alarming decrease in the number of lakes, from 937 lakes to only 212 lakes in 2010. The need of the hour is to restore these lakes, to improve the water situation and the environment, decrease pollution levels and enhance livelihood opportunities.
Expected outcomes:
- Reduction in environmental diseases
- Water security for the future
- Restoration of bird sanctuaries
- Restoration of the flora and fauna
- Drinking water restored for people and animals
- Reduction in flooding and climate deterioration
- Reduction in environmental diseases
Why lake rejuvenation campaign:
Some alarming statistics
- The number of lakes in Bangalore has come down from 937 to 212.
- By 2020 there will be only 78 litres of potable available per person per day, as against 150 litres required.
- 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, where:
- 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
The adverse results of such large change are reported to be:
- Frequent flooding and micro–climatic changes in the city
- Undesirable impact on the diversity of flora and fauna
- Decrease in the number of migratory birds
- 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.
To find out the present work undertaken by BBMP on lake fencing please visit the following URL: http://www.bbmplakes.info/lake/Report.aspx
To be a part of Wake The Lake campaign
Like us on Face http://www.facebook.com/savingourlakes