More city lakes to be restored by BBMP

More city lakes to be restored by BBMP
The BBMP has proposed the rejuvenation and beautification of 17 city lakes with funds from the JNNURM scheme. Sai Prasanna reports


Six to seven months ago, the Lake Development Authority (LDA) had handed over 17 lakes to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for development and restoration. Sources at the BBMP say that as of now, the detailed project reports (DPRs) for all the lakes have been approved by the Commissioner of the BBMP and sent to the LDA for their consent. Once this is done, since the lakes will be developed with funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme, a special committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary will first look into it. Then, it will be sent to Delhi for obtaining approval for using such funds for developing the lakes. Once it is approved, the tendering process will begin.
Lakes to be developed
by the BBMP
Kalkere Lake Puttenahalli Lake Allasandra Lake Attur Lake Yelahanka Lake Kowdenahalli Lake Kaikondanahalli Lake Chinnappanahalli Lake Amblipura Lake Uttarahalli Lake Dorekere Dasarahalli Lake Nayandahalli Lake Malgal Lake Deepanjalinagar Lake Kodigehalli Lake
The project will improve the quality of the lakes and water samples have already been taken and tested before making the DPR. All developmental measures will be lake-specific.
Some measures that will be taken to restore and beautify the lakes are:
Removal of silt and weeds Diversion and treatment of sewage
Bio-remedial measures to improve the quality of the water so that the water body can support aquatic and plant life
Constructed wetland treatment
Planting plants that will absorb pollutants
Prevent sewage water diversion into the lake in dry weather by providing silt traps and screen barriers
Provision of chain link fencing to avoid encroachment
Some lakes will be provided with immersion tanks for activities like immersing idols during festivals. For instance, if three lakes are located close to each other, one lake will have an immersion tank
Provision of regular pathways for morning and evening joggers Creation of tree parks, children's parks, and rock gardens Construction of toilets and provision of clean drinking water facilities Boating facilities will be provided based on the size of the lake. For small lakes, it has been proposed not to have boating facilities
Foreshore and island development
Any other commercial activities that can be permitted in the designated area like setting up temporary kitchens and coffee bars etc will be decided by the LDA. Also, the BBMP is planning to have a lab that will test the water quality of all the lakes every three months.