Hebbal lake all set for a make-over

Hebbal lake all set for a make-over
The Times of India

Bangalore: Hebbal lake, which has been reduced to an inlet for sewage, storm water drains, cattle bathing and sundry such purposes, will soon have floating restaurants, aqua scooters and much more.

This is thanks to the major facelift it will undergo at an investment of Rs 16.75 crore under the expression of interest policy of the Lake Development Authority.

The development of the 150-acre Hebbal lake in North Bangalore is being undertaken by East India Hotels of the Oberoi chain of hotels, for 15 years and will include a children’s park, medical care centre, arch bridges, boating jetty and a handicraft and curio gift centre.

Kealanginakere Amblipura lake, Mahadevapura lake, Kundalahalli lake and Chalkere lake are the other lakes to be developed. While the first is developed under the expression of interest policy by the SJR Group, the other three will be developed under the ‘adopt a lake’ policy.

Hebbal lake — which receives water from catchment areas which cover localities like Yeshwanthpur, Mathikere, RMV, BEL and HMT colonies, Narsipura and other layouts — was seriously affected by the continuous inflow of untreated sewerage and effluents.

“Desilting of Hebbal lake took place two years ago with an investment of Rs 2.7 crore. Yet, threefourths of the lake is covered with weeds, grass and water hyacinth,’’ said LDA CEO B K Singh. This development will not only increase the recreation options for the people but also encourage eco-tourism, support lake bio-diversity, recharge ground water and help us maintain eco-balance, Singh added.

The development is expected to take a year. The entry fee for visitors will be Rs 20 and be increased to Rs 40 in the last 3 years of the contract.