Steps to recharge groundwater near international airport

Steps to recharge groundwater near international airport
DH News Service, Bangalore:
The Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA) has proposed a rejuvenation plan for around 200 tanks in the 985 sq km area under its jurisdiction.


In a concerted initiative to improve groundwater levels in areas surrounding the upcoming International airport in Devanahalli, the Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA) has proposed a rejuvenation plan for around 200 tanks in the 985 sq km area under its jurisdiction.

A high-level meeting, on Wednesday, decided to evolve a comprehensive water facility plan with the projected logistics and funds involved. BIAAPA Chairman Sudhir Krishna said, under the new water facility plan, private layout developers in the area would be asked to pay Rs one lakh per acre towards funding the project. BIAAPA expects to reduce 25 to 35 per cent of the area’s water problems with the implementation of the project. Mr Krishna said, with the groundwater levels fast depleting and more layouts coming up, dependence on borewells would only offer temporary respite.



Funds

The Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), in a first, will call for bids from financial institutions for funds, for land acquisition, for BMRDA’s proposed expressway that will connect the Outer Ring Road with the upcoming International Airport in Devanahalli. BMRDA will require about Rs 120 crore (based on land guidance values) as acquisition funds for the 21-km expressway and its interchanges, that will come up on a Build Own and Transfer (BOT) model. The laying of road is expected to cost around Rs 400 crore.

BMRDA has also approached the Union government seeking improvement of NH-7 from Hebbal Flyover to Devanahalli.

Mr Krishna, who is also the Metropolitan Commissioner, said that the improved road could serve as an effective alternative till the expressway was in place. Detailing plans on BMRDA’s upcoming township in Bidadi, the Commissioner said 24 consortia had been short-listed for developing the space.

“The request for proposal was issued on March 12. We’ll also be holding a pre-bid meeting in late April,” he said.

BIAAPA INITIATIVE

*Rejuvenation of around 200 tanks

* Garden planned near Tipu Sultan Circle

*External funds for Expressway land acquisitionA INITIATIVE