Adopting a lake

Adopting a lake
The city’s lakes are being adopted and beautified
The Times of India

One of the first lakes to be adopted in the city, as soon as the Lake Development Authority (LDA) announced its 'adopt a lake scheme' a year ago, was the Sheelavantharakere lake near Whitefield. With an investment of around Rs 35 lakhs, the Palm Meadows Residents' Association has restored the 20-acre Sheelavantharakere lake, to its original glory. The first residents' association to adopt a lake, it has set a precedent.

LDA and Bangalore’s lakes The LDA was formed to take remedial measures to restore and revitalise dying lakes and to co-ordinate efforts of various organisations towards these objectives. One of its important objectives is to involve people in lake conservation, restoration and maintenance in an effort to build public-private partnership.

The LDA has imposed certain conditions and instituted guidelines as to the works to be carried out on the adopted lakes. "The core works to be carried out by any adopting agency are desilting, deweeding, fencing and diversion of sewage," explains B K Singh, CEO, LDA. "Any stakeholder around the lake can adopt a lake." Thus, corporates, real estate developers, residents associations and other people who are located near a lake and have the financial resources to restore the lake, can come forward to adopt it.

The Kealanginakere lake was next in line last year and was adopted by Bagmane Developers and restored at an investment of about Rs 80-90 lakhs. This year, three lakes have been approved for adoption. While the Kundalahalli lake has already been adopted by Kalyani Developers and is to be restored at a cost of Rs 1.79 crores, the Chalkere lake is to be adopted by an educational trust and Rs 89 lakhs will be invested towards its restoration. Abhishek Developers are adopting the Mahadevapura lake and are likely to spend Rs. 1.63 crore on it. While groups of varied interests have been coming forward to adopt lakes, it is lucrative for property developers to do so as the value of their property increases considerably because of the presence of a clean, healthy lake near their property.

The beautification of every lake varies depending on the works planned by the respective adopting agency. Planting trees, putting in a lawn and even a jogging track are part of this process, and usually the areas around the lakes adopted are made to be as green, aesthetic and appealing as possible. Says Singh, "no commercial activity is allowed in lakes adopted under this scheme and no restriction of entry can be imposed." It has been ensured by the LDA that the public enjoys the ambiance and sight of a beautiful clean water body in their neighbourhood.

Process of adoption
The process for adopting a lake can however take a few months. Any party interested in adopting a lake has to be initially approved by the LDA after which they are required to submit a DPR (detailed project report) delineating the plan and works to be carried out and the investment possible. Once the DPR is approved, a technical presentation has to be made to the technical sub-committee. The entire cost of restoration and maintenance as per the approved plan has to be borne by the adopting agency. But the LDA and government may also collaborate in joint development. Those agencies situated in the proximity of the lake concerned will of course be given preference.

The period for adoption currently being issued is for five years and the adopting agency has to ensure that the lake is well maintained and no encroachment takes place. Any technical assistance required for restoring and managing a lake is extended by the LDA and subject to approval by the government, the LDA could even execute the sanctioned restoration plan. The LDA and the government will closely monitor and inspect the upkeep of the lake during the adoption period.

"Another five lakes are in the pipeline for adoption," says Singh. "This scheme has been quite successful since its inception and this year we are likely to see more lakes being restored and beautified. But once restored, it becomes our duty to ensure that these lakes are kept clean so that we can enjoy the benefits of a healthy natural environment", he adds.


Lakes that can be adopted
There are numerous lakes that can be adopted around the city. Here's a brief list of some that are up for adoption:
Vibhutipura Kagadaspura Chinnapanahalli Munnekolala Devarabisanahalli Amblipura Singapura Doraikereuttarahalli Begaluru Uttarahallimogekere