BENGALURU: While Lake Development Authority (LDA) and other civic agencies have been lackadaisical in the upkeep of the city’s water bodies, citizens groups have taken up the task of reviving a lake in Hulimavu.
Over 60 people gathered at the Arakere Lake in Hulimavu as part of Kere Habba. They want to attract the attention of lake officials and create awareness among the public about the importance of protecting the lake.
Veena Hegde, a member of Arakere Neighbourhood Improvement trust, said the lake rejuvenation should have been completed by February 2015, but even after two years it is far from complete. Due to the BWSSB’s inability to prevent sewerage from entering the lake, the BDA has stopped work. Even after lapse of two years there has been hardly any progress, she lamented.
Encroachments not cleared
Another major issue is encroachment. The lake is spread around 37 acres and about 6 acres have been encroached upon. Although the BDA had initially showed interest to evict them, they later slowed down owing to a stay order. The revenue department too has failed to survey the lake and fence it, Veena said.
Deterioration of lakes takes a heavy toll on the eco system. Lakes have to be rejuvenated to improve the water table and decrease the dependency on piped water, she said.
NBF is conducting Kere Habba for a period of five years from 2015-2019, in association with various lake activists to bring people together across the city.
Appreciating the efforts of the community to preserve Bengaluru lakes, Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO, Namma Bengaluru Foundation said, “The Kere Habba is a perfect example of citizen action and community initiative, coming together to reclaim and protect city’s dying natural heritage. It is encouraging to see the community and neighbourhood collaborating to restore, rejuvenate and protect lakes of Bengaluru. “
Referring to Thursday’s fire in Bellandur Lake he said lake pollution in the city have reached alarming levels. The fire is strong reminder of our duty as citizens to engage with the government in cleaning up our lakes on a war footing, he added.
NBF in association with Arakere Neighbourhood Improvement Trust and BGS National Public School organised the Kere Habba at Arekere Lake.
The city’s prominent water bodies such as Bellandur, Varthur and Agara lakes are facing a slow death due to dumping of garbage, unchecked inflow of sewage water and encroachments.
Helping people preserve lakes
Kere Habba series of lake festivals aim to bring people together for conservation, awareness, education, entertainment, environmental concern and community participation in local lake issues. The objective is to encourage people to connect with their surroundings, explore and participate in preserving their lakes and become a stakeholder in keeping it alive.
