Bengaluru's topography isn't being tapped to its fullest, in the sense that there is no proper planning. The rapid and haphazard growth of the city has changed its landscape, especially the encroachment of its water bodies and green spaces.
The natural and ecological landscapes have been converted into built- up areas and this is the main reason why Bengaluru often sees flooding even in short spells of rain.Also, with the storm water drain and the rainwater carrier channels encroached on, there is waterlogging in and around lakes and other water bodies.
As the catchment areas of the lakes are also occupied by buildings, homes are regularly flooded. Bengaluru will continue to face these problems if they are not seriously addressed and action taken immediately to rectify the situation.
Fortunately, the city’s topography is most suitable for harvesting rainwater and sustaining its lakes and ponds. All it needs is a systematic approach in terms of future planning and development.
Coming to the chopping of trees by the governmental agencies to carry out various projects, they hardly plant any to compensate for their loss although 10 times the number of trees felled should be planted. The trees to be felled should be surveyed and only after expert opinion is received can the felling be allowed.
Integrated ecological intervention and planning is the key to sustaining the city in future.
The writer is an environmentalist
