Bengaluru: “We must preserve our city's lakes,” said Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D.V. Sadananda Gowda, speaking at ‘Namma Bengaluru Habba’ at Sankey Tank on Sunday.
Mr Gowda, Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George and IT-BT and Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge inaugurated the event, organised by the Tourism Department. The event was held to spread awareness on the importance of saving city’s lakes.
Praising the local corporators and residents for organising the event, Mr Gowda said, “Others all over the city should emulate the residents of Sadashivanagar and Malleswaram and organise similar events.”
Mr Kharge said, “The protection of environment is a cause of concern today and events like these create awareness among the public and lead to greater sustainability. It is a community-building activity aimed at the preservation of Bengaluru.”
Mr George said that similar festivals have been planned at Bellandur and Varthur lakes once they are cleaned up. “The clean-up work has already begun, but the main problem was removing garbage and purification of water through various processes, including bio-remedial measures. The government has set a target of 2020 to clean up all lakes in the city. But we don’t want to wait that long, and want to finish the job earlier,” he said.
Streets around Sankey Tank wore a festive look. Stilt walkers and street musicians entertained the people, while artistes performed Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha and Hulivesha. Magicians, jugglers, face painters and caricature and tattoo artists were spread all around the lake, with crowds of people around them.
Poorvi, a ninth standard student, said she had come with her parents this time but wanted to come with her classmates next time.
The festival had a free health check-up along with informative and interactive workshops conducted by citizens and organisations on various green initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, waste management, pottery, terracotta jewellery etc.
