Seven lakes in Bengalur can finally be revived in November, because Bruhhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) has been currently reviewed by Hindu in the last stages of rejuvenation.
However, environmental activists and citizens volunteers raised concerns about possible supervision that could damage the environmental balance of these water formations and undermine years of rejuvenation.
Lake APVACHING CONPALLES Lake Kacharakanahalli, Lake Hulimava, Lake Doddabidarakall, Gunjur Lake, Carmalaram, Hoodi Giddanakere and Vengaiahnake (Kr Puram Lake).
Rejuvenation works on Carmelaram Lake in Bengalur. Activists pointed out that the rejuvenation of the lake tends to be focused on humans and focuses on beautification and recreation rather than an ecological purpose. | Photo Credit: J. Allen Egenus
Vijaykumar Haridas, head engineer, Lakes, confirmed that these projects would be completed by November or December. With the exception of the Lake Kacharakanahali, most of them are almost finished, with only small works like walking and fencing, he said. After rejuvenation, all seven lakes fall into category D – water quality suitable for wild animals and fishing.
These lakes, which were over 240 hectares, faced a significant delay, which is over five monsoons. Community groups that have been defending their revival for years now hope to see ecological renewal, including the return of nesting birds and the revival of fishing.
Community expectations
Mithan Subbiah, head of the volunteer in Hulimava Kere Tarang, noted that almost 140 bird species were seen in Hulimava, according to EBIRD data.
Activists pointed out that the rejuvenation of the lake tends to be focused on humans and focuses on beautification and recreation rather than an ecological purpose. Ironically, they say that this approach is often inconsistently performed. For example, working on Hulimava Kere accelerated only after the area had experienced serious floods, attracted public attention and criticism of BBMP.
V. Ramprasad from the friends of the lakes stressed that the correct rejuvenation should meet the three main objectives: improve groundwater, facilitate rainwater harvest and relieve floods. “Several lakes lack the gates and wastewater treatment plants that prevent these targets and reduce the work to beautify,” he said. He stressed that the lakes should be considered rejuvenated only if they are administered according to the correct standard operational procedures and meet the BIS 17663 standards.
Fears on the ground
Zibi Jamal, a volunteer of Whitefield Rising, expressed relief because the Hoodi Giddanakere lake is finally approaching. However, it urged the BBMP to ensure that there were not yet supervision, and their efforts were appreciated. “Recent reports on eyelash flowers in rejuvenated lakes throughout the city relate. The contractor must ensure that in the process of rejuvenation, which could lead to eyelash flowers or other environmental problems, there must be any scientific falls,” said Mrs. Jamal.
Meanwhile, Hulimava Kere, the largest of the seven lakes, is facing the questions of open defecation in the surrounding areas. Mrs. Subbiah believes it is necessary to properly fencing on the specific sides of the lake.
Mr. Ramprasad pointed out extensive interventions in Lake Kacharakanahali. According to records from 1976, the lake originally covered 56 hectares, but only 16 hectares remained at the start of rejuvenation.
Nithya, a powerful engineer who oversees the project, said that some interventions, including a private sports complex and slum plates, were cleaned and increased the lake area to 22 hectares. BBMP coordinates with the Slum Council to gain more land.
According to official data, there are 435 huts in the reged area, housing around 1600 people. Ashok Dr, Commissioner of the Council for the Development of Slum in Karnataka, said these families would be rehabilitated to government housing in Bidarahalli, built by Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. BBMP will cover 70% of the cost of new housing.
In addition to these seven lakes, BBMP also rejuvenates another 20 lakes with a 50 Crore budget. Another CRORE 65 GBP, assigned within the National Fund for Relief Disaster (NDMF), will be used to rejuvenate seven other lakes: Hebbal, Nagawara, Sompura, Chikkabellandur, Arekere, Halsur and Kalkere Lakes.
Published – 31 July 2025 21:35
