Another route is now proposed along Bengal’s Hebbal Lake

However, the problem is that the proposed route passes through the lake embankment area. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Although the Bangalore Development Authority’s (BDA) short tunnel project has faced widespread criticism, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has proposed another 12-metre (approximately 40 ft) road along Hebbal Lake in north Bengaluru as part of its draft road plan.

The GBA has released a circulation plan for the Greater Bengaluru Local Planning Area inviting objections and suggestions from the public. The exercise aims to expand the road network to improve the flow of traffic across the city.

The plan also proposes to establish a road link between Thanisandra and Hebbal. However, the link would also facilitate connectivity for residents of Kodigehalli and areas beyond such as Vidyaranyapura, connecting the northern and northeastern parts of the city.

Passing the jacket

However, the problem is that the proposed route passes through the lake embankment area. In addition, the same route passes along Lake Nagawara, essentially a storm water drainage (SWD) network connecting the two lakes.

While experts and activists say the road passing near the lake itself is not a serious concern, they point out that the loss of green cover around the lake could affect water flow. They also point out that the proposed road would change the character of the site and lead to commercialisation, thereby having a long-term impact on the lake. Even in this case, the area designated for the proposed road is a green area and would require felling of trees to facilitate its construction.

Priyanka Jamwal, head of the Water and Society program at ATREE, pointed out that the primary function of the lakes was earlier irrigation. However, with changing times, lakes now largely serve as environmental facilities. “If the trees around the lake are cut down, the function of the lake will also be reduced because it would lead to a massive loss of biodiversity,” she said.

Furthermore, it could affect smaller ecosystems and lead to the migration of several species. Ms. Jamwal also pointed out that the lake embankments are not designed to carry heavy vehicles and this would affect the buffer zone.

A recipe for destruction

V. Ramprasad, a lake activist, pointed out that laying roads around lakes is a recipe for slow destruction of water bodies that could eventually lead to their complete disappearance, as has happened to several other lakes in the city. “Now they are planning a road on the site, assuming the area is not part of the lake bed. But officials are forgetting that the lake was much bigger to begin with and development has reduced its size,” he said.

Mr. Ramprasad said the exercise was to keep lakes untouched where more than 10% of the lake bed area had been used for development when judged by lake surveys of the 1970s. He also pointed out that public opinion needed to be ascertained before the exercise was carried out.

However, a senior GBA officer said the proposal could be reviewed and citizens could submit suggestions based on which changes could be made.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 06:01 IST