‘Ground water table will be affected by parking’

‘Ground water table will be affected by parking’
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The 42-hectare-wide Ulsoor Lake helps maintain ground water level in the surrounding areas at a much higher level than elsewhere in Bangalore.

With the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) all set to convert the ecologically sensitive catchment area into a parking lot, biodiversity experts fear that the ground water table may deteriorate.

The lake, which was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century, acts as the connecting water body through a storm water drain flowing up to Bellandur Lake and then to Vartur Lake.

Dr T V Ramachandra, faculty in the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), said that the civic agencies should not disturb the integrity of the lake including the catchment areas.

“This is a reactionary approach and the project lacks integrated planning. The BMP should plan on integrated development and give importance to open spaces and water bodies, as they contribute to the health of the region,” he said.

Two years ago, the lake was restored under the Indo-Norwegian programme and desilting was done. There are two natural springs on the lake-bed which provide substantial water to the lake.

Ramachandra added that the topography of Ulsoor Lake included two islands since the time of its inauguration. Later, a few more islands were created to provide breeding place for birds.

“Setting up a vehicle parking area will increase pollution in the area. Apart from the lake-bed, the connecting storm water drains, islands, and fauna are also equally important aspects in preserving the healthy eco-system of the lake,” he added.

Rohan D’Souza, member, Hasiru Usiru, said that if a large number of vehicles are allowed there, the water birds will be disturbed.

“There is a plenty of fauna dwelling in the islands. If air and noise pollution increases, it will drastically affect the birds,” he said. The lake has not been desilted in the last two years. The new parking lot will reduce the city’s lung space.