BBMP to develop 17 lakes in city

BBMP to develop 17 lakes in city
Efforts are on to restore, develop and maintain these lakes in the city


The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has taken up 17 lakes in the city for restoration and development, according to Krishna Udapudi, Deputy Conservator of Forests. A detailed survey is being conducted and the study will be completed in a month's time. According to him, budget is not a constraint as both the State and the Central Government have promised any amount that may be required to protect the water bodies. There is a need for holistic development of lakes with stress on environmental conservation, development of tree parks, water conservation and jogging areas.
Lakes in Yelahanka, Puttenahalli, Deepanjalinagar and many others would be taken up for restoration. The idea is to retain existing tanks as water bodies, and ensure they are not polluted by discharge of effluent and industrial wastes. Other thrust areas would be to prevent silting, remove encroachment, create tree parks and develop and encourage acquatic life.
The government is also keen on the 'adopt a lake' scheme, where lakes situated in the midst of residential areas which are already restored can be adopted either by local citizen committees, residents, associations, corporates or NGOs primarily for ecological conservation and protection. They would be encouraged to do so in return for some user fees collection for low impact activities like walking, jogging and other activities that would generate sufficient income for the maintenance and further development of these lakes. The idea is to encourage people's participation in conservation and maintenance of lakes.
Initiatives for lake
development
Breached lakes: Due to impounding of water, nonmaintenance of bunds and non-functioning of waste weirs, some lakes breach, leading to distress in downstream areas. Such breached lakes will be developed by taking appropriate methods of restoration.
Fresh water lakes: Most fresh water lakes are located on the outskirts of the city. These are less polluted by sewage water, thanks to their location. These will be protected through appropriate methods which are lake-specific. A survey has revealed that 330 medium to large lakes in the BMRDA area need urgent attention. Many lakes have dried up too.
Lakes receiving sewage water: Most of these lakes are situated in the thickly populated areas of the city and bear the brunt of damage caused by dumping of garbage and inflow of sewage water. An integrated approach will be adopted for the development of such lakes.
Other measures
Identification of sources and entry points of sewage discharge into the lake, measuring their quantity and working out its diversion.
Provision of diversion channels to divert sewage and sullage. Providing catch water drains to collect run-off water from immediate catchment areas of the lake. Inflow regulation gates to impound rainwater and to avoid sewage.
Desilting and removing accumulated organic sludge and sediments from the lake bed.
Securing lake boundaries by fencing, formation of shoulder parks for recreation.
Creation of boat jetties. Pedal boats churn water and aerate it, thus improving water quality.
Creation of islands to provide resting and breeding places for birds.