A plant like no other in Lalbagh

A plant like no other in Lalbagh

Staff Reporter
With an ETP in place, summer is no more a problem
— File Photo

Summer colours: The flowers at Lalbagh in Bangalore have adequate water this summer.
BANGALORE: Just a few years ago, the flora in Lalbagh used to wilt in the summer and authorities often struggled to ensure adequate water supply to keep them blooming.

Today, with an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), not only is there adequate supply of water but the lake in the botanical gardens contains better quality water.

Established in 2002, the ETP has a capacity to treat 1.5 million litres a day (MLD) of water, which is also sufficient to irrigate 240 acres of park land.

The quality of water in the lake and aquatic life have improved after the ETP was set up.

“The ETP has prevented flow of sewage from Kanakanapalya, Asoka Pillar, Jayanagar and other surrounding areas into the lake resulting in improved quality of water. Aquatic life has improved, which in turn has helped attract birds,” Lal Bagh Deputy Director M. Jagadish told The Hindu. The treatment plant has also enabled irrigation of the area throughout the year. “In the past, arrival of summer meant problems to authorities managing Lalbagh, as the greenery wilted from limited water.

With the required quantity of water available now, sprinklers have been introduced, which have helped extension of the irrigated area from a small portion to about 170 acres today,” he said.

To use the treated water, 1,600 sprinklers have been installed around the park.

Some of the sections, including the rock garden and aviary, do not require water, so sprinklers have not been installed there, Dr. Jagadish said.

Bird life
While officials insist that the bird life has improved after the rejuvenation of the lake, birdwatchers said that it has, in fact, dwindled. “The presence of over 20 purple morants signified good vegetation earlier.

However, authorities are removing the vegetation growth on the quarry side. Shoreline vegetation is very important to maintain good bird life,” M.B. Krishna, an ardent birdwatcher said.

Even the aquatic life in the lake, he said would help only a few birds such as pelicans.