View of Lake Puttenahali in Bengalur. | Photo Credit: File Photos
In 2008, puttenahalli lake at the 7th phase of JP Nagar breath throughout his life. Neglected, it was a water unit in a retreat, surrounded by lack of interest. One woman and a growing group of inhabitants, however, decided to push back.
“It cannot be done by one person,” said Usha Rajagopalan, founder of Puttenehalli Neighbor Lake Improvement Trust (Pnlit), who was then a writer, not nature. “Even though I wanted to save the lake, it is obviously not a person’s work.”
This implementation has triggered a campaign that today became a model of ecological renewal of the community. In June 2010, the pnly was formally registered, not only for the revival of the lake, but to protect it for the upcoming generations.
From the crisis to the community
The lake has already started to show signs of rejuvenation thanks to the support of Bruhhat Bengalur Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), but the founder and three equally determined neighbors – Aarti Mane, Prashay vanathey and OP Ramaswama – realized that maintenance was where there was a real test. Their first pull was a tree plantation. Up to 125 seedlings were planted and the gifts went to hiring the gardener.
“Even today we will carry out maintenance expenditures through voluntary gifts. BBMP supports infrastructure, but we take care of everyday work,” said Mrs. Rajagopalan.
Challenges
Over the years, BBMP support fluctuated administrative changes and volunteers came and left. But the pnlit team kept firm.
The lake now boasts a rich green canopy, is colder by a few degrees and during the migration season it serves as a document for butterflies. But the road was not without obstacles. The penetration and influx of waste water remains the two largest threats. “Waste water is manageable – you can go to the source. But the intervention includes political power and departments working in forces. It’s our biggest challenge,” she said.
Among her most respected memories are the first time in 2016 to see the overflow of the lake and see Shrik, supported by a bay set on a protocol set by volunteers.
Grow with a lake
Many children who planted seedlings in 2010 are now young adults. One of them, additi, planted the manga tree at the age of five during her birthday, which took place on the plantation of the trees. The tree still stands tall. Additi remembers how she passes her every day on her way to the bus stop, ate snacks by the water and watched birds. “The lake also grew with me,” she shared.
Jagadeesh, a long -term volunteer and inhabitants, is part of the lake from the first days. As an expert in development, he involved his team from Cisco in volunteer efforts. “We carried out plantation units, cleaning activities and even contributed by CSR funds. I also brought funds from our association of our inhabitants and was increased about 1 lakh,” he added.
“More than financial contributions focus on the ecosystem.” Lakes are not just water formations. They support fish, birds, insects – everything is connected. If it looks “ugly”, but gives birds or fish, it matters, “he explained. He was also part of the contact to the local authorities and recently visited the MLA to raise concerns about penetration.
Future
“We do not want to expand to other lakes – this is a job in itself. Groups that drive lakes like Jakur and Kaikondrahalli, in fact followed a suit, some even signed Mous with BBMP, as he did in 2011.
Mrs. Rajagopalan’s dream can be seen by the rehabilitation of Encroachers and this space has evolved into something meaningful.
Published – June 28, 2025 9:18
