A Report on Water Bodies in Bangalore

BLUE RENAISSANCE

And If You Want To Save It Show A Little

Respect...

A Report On Water Bodies In Bangalore

By

Indu Bhargavi R

Nagashri M Palavalli

Rashmi Subramanya

Acknowledgement

We, Indu Bhargavi R, Nagashri M Palavalli and Rashmi Subramanya studying

1st year law in University Law College, Bangalore take this opportunity to thank all the

people who have helped in the completion of this project. We would like to thank

Mr. Leo F Saldanha, Coordinator, Environment Support Group for his guidance.

We are also grateful to Mrs. Bhargavi S Rao, Ms. Arpita Joshi, Ms. Dolly Kalitha,

Mr. Mallesh K R, Mrs. Harminder Kaur and Mrs. Gitanjali Mahanti for their inputs and

help.

We are thankful to our parents and well wishers for supporting and encouraging

us throughout this project.

DECLARATION

We, Indu Bhargavi R, Nagashri M Palavalli and Rashmi Subramanya studying 1

st year

law in University Law College, Bangalore hereby declare that this project titled

“BLUE RENAISSANCE” is bonafide work carried out as part of our internship under the

guidance of Mr. Leo F Saldanha and this original report has been duly submitted in

July, 2007.

Abbreviations

BBMP Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike

BCC Bangalore City Corporation

BDA Bangalore Development Authority

BET Bangalore Environment Trust

BMP Bangalore Mahanagara Palike

BMRDA Bangalore Metropolitan Regional Development Authority

BMTF Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

BUAC Bangalore Urban Arts Commission

BWSSB Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board

CES The Centre for Ecological Sciences

CMC City Municipal Councils

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

DCF Deputy Conservator of Forests

DRT Debt Recovery Tribunal

H.A.L Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

H.M.T Hindustan Machine Tools

HUDCO Housing Urban Development Corporation

IISc Indian Institute of Science

ILEC International Lake Environment Committee Foundation

INEP Indo-Norwegian Environment project

I.T.I Industrial Training Institute

IYF International year for Freshwater

KLD Kilo liters per day

KMC Karnataka Municipal Corporation

KSLSA Karnataka State Legal Services Authority

KSPCB Karnataka State Pollution Control Board

KSTDC Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation

LDA Lake Development Authority

MLD Milli Litres per Day

NGC National Green Corps

NGO Non Governmental Organization

NLCP The National Lake Conservation Plan

NRCD The National River Conservation Directorate

NRCP National River Conservation Programme

PIL Public Interest Litigation

RBI Reserve Bank of India

STP Sewage Treatment Plant

ULF Ulsoor Lake Foundation

UN The United Nations

UNEP The United Nations Environment Programme

URC Urban Urban Research Centre

WWD World World Wetlands Day

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

1. http://ramsar.org/about/about_infopack_1e.htm

2. “Local people to be given charge of rejuvenated lakes”, Deccan Herald, 29-03-

2006, http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/Mar292006/state19942006328.asp

3. “Fish Mortality in Bangalore Lakes” by Ranjeev Benjamin , Kar Devashish,

A.V. Nagarathna, B.K. Chakrapani, T.V.Ramachandra India , December 1996,

Issue 6, Electronic Green Journal

http://egj.lib.uidaho.edu/egj06/ramachandra.html

4. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/lakes.html

5. “Listening to the land” by Bageshree S, The Hindu, 26-06-2006,

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/06/26/stories/2006062601610100.htm

6. “Lakes in Bangalore”, http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/bangalore/lakes-

drainage.shtml

7. “Bangalore’s lakes: Choked by the IT web” by M. Radhika

8. http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/lake2002/proceedings/2_4.html#address

PAPER-4: Trend in Urban Development around Water Tanks in Bangalore

by Mahalakshmi K

9. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/lakes_imp.html

10. “Bangalore attracting winged visitors” by Sunil Kumar M

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/bangalore.html

11. “Wetland conservation for water security” by Harsha T.P, Deccan Herald, 31-01-

2003

12. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/role.html

13. “Lake Silt will be given to Farmers”, Times of India, 04-03-2003,

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/39207805.cms

14. “Doomsday predicted for wetlands” by Alladi Jayasri, The Hindu, 10-12-2002

http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/doom.htm

15. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/urbpop.html

16. “Prime land encroached, lake too in danger”, New Indian Express, 15-05-2007

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE120070514231917

17. “Better put your idols in a bucket at home”, By Kanak Hirani, 12 -08-2001,

Times of India, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1252607769.cms

18. http://kspcb.kar.nic.in/lakeslist_ganesha_fest.htm (last visited on 12-07-2007)

19. “Go for eco-friendly idols”, S.B. Vijaya Mary, The Hindu, 09-09-2002


20. “Mobile Tanks to Aid Immersion at Home”, Deccan Herald, 15-09-2004

21. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/grdwater.html

22. “Wetlands and Fish”, by Madhav Gadgil, Deccan Herald, 29-12-2001

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/gadgil.html

23. “The Way we were – Disappearing Birdlife”,

http://www.indiaexpress.com/bangalore/eureka/birds.html

24. http://envfor.nic.in

25. “Lake maintenance may be handed over to BDA or BMP”, The Hindu, 30-10-2005

http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/30/stories/2005103020180300.htm

26. “Lakes may go to BMP and BDA”,


27. IMPACT OF PRIVATISATION OF LAKES IN BANGALORE, Rohan D'Souza

http://www.doccentre.net/docsweb/Rohan_final_report_lakes_privatisation.php#Lake_D

evelopment_Authority

28. http://www.unesco.org/water/iyfw2/index.shtml

29. http://www.ilec.or.jp , http://www.taal2007.org/ilec.asp

30. “Encroachers put Bangalore’s Lakes on endangered list’ by P.M Raghunandan, The

New Indian Express, 14-08-2001

31. wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/central.html, “Central project to give new

life to four lakes”, By Paawana Poonacha

32. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/initiatives.html

33. “For lake’s sake: The saga of a struggle”, http://envfor.nic.in

34. “Lakes clean up drive”, Deccan Herald, 05-06-2007,

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun52007/city200706055742.asp

35. “BDA plunges into lake cleaning drive”, 04-06-2007,


36. http://www.doccentre.net/docsweb/Rohan_final_report_lakes_privatisation.php

37. “Notices to BCC on lakes”, Times of India, 23-09-2005

38. “HC stays proceedings on tank bed area case”, Deccan Herald, 17-03-2005

39. “Will it Hold Water?” By Radhakrishna Rao

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/will.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC

PAGE NUMBER

Introduction

1

Chronological Development around Water

2

Why are these Lakes Important to

Bangalore?

6

Importance to Flora and Fauna

7

Importance to Fresh Water

8

Effects of Lakes on Ground Water

9

Hydrological Role of Lake 9

Nutrient Cycling

10

Lakes in Urban Areas as Tourists Spots

10

Miscellaneous

12

Causes for the Deterioration and

Disappearance of Water Bodies

13

Effects of Urbanisation in Bangalore

16

Immersion of Idols

18

What are the Effects of Pollution on the Lakes

of Bangalore?

21

Impact on Groundwater

23

Impact on Aquatic Creatures

23

Impact on Wildlife

24

Authorities In charge Of Water Bodies in

Bangalore

26

Lake Development Authority

28

A Critical Look at the Conception of the Lake

Development Authority

30

Initiatives to Save Lakes

32

Legislations, Policies and Reports Regarding

Water Bodies in Bangalore

38

The Lakshman Rau Committee Report

38

Karnataka State Water Policy

39

Agaram Lake

42

Bellandur Lake

44

Hebbal Lake

49

Lalbagh Lake

54

Madivala Lake

59

Sankey Tank

64

Ulsoor Lake

70

Varthur Lake

79

Yediyur Lake

82

Recommendations

87

Introduction

Water is an essential component of an eco-system. Two-thirds of the earth is surrounded

by water. It sustains life on Earth. A community depends on water for its domestic,

agriculture and industrial needs.

The Ramsar Convention, 1971 to which India is a signatory, takes a broad approach in

determining the wetlands which come under its aegis. Under the text of the Convention

(Article 1.1), wetlands are defined as:

"areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or

temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including

areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres".

In addition, the Convention (Article 2.1) provides that wetlands:

"may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands

or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the

wetlands".

As a result of these provisions, the coverage of the Convention extends to a wide variety

of habitat types, including rivers and lakes, coastal lagoons, mangroves, peatlands, and

even coral reefs.1

Availability of water has been a factor in the development of various civilizations near

lakes and rivers. Rivers, lakes and wells are important sources of water in a region and at

a particular stage in development, tanks and wells are introduced to harvest rain and

ground water. Wells and tanks are the sources of water in most places even today. Tanks

harvest rainwater and store it, while wells tap water stored underground. Tanks are

categorized as those that exist on a basin less than 40 hectares of land and those above 40

hectares. 2

The total water spread in India is about 4.5 million hectares. Inland aquaculture resources

cover about 3 million hectares. These include about 0.72 million hectares of natural lakes

and 2.0 million hectares of constructed reservoirs. The state of Karnataka has about 2000

perennial and about 30,000 seasonal tanks with a total water spread area of 3,000,000

hectares. Wetlands occupy about 4.8 per cent of the geographical area in Bangalore (640

sq. km.). Most of the wetlands are to be found on the outskirts and rural fringes of the

City. 3

4. http://ramsar.org/about/about_infopack_1e.htm

5. “Local people to be given charge of rejuvenated lakes”, Deccan Herald, 29-03-2006,

http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/Mar292006/state19942006328.asp

6. “Fish Mortality in Bangalore Lakes” by Ranjeev Benjamin , Kar Devashish, A.V. Nagarathna,

B.K. Chakrapani, T.V.Ramachandra India , December 1996, Issue 6, Electronic Green Journal

http://egj.lib.uidaho.edu/egj06/ramachandra.html

� In Karnataka, the Hoysalas built tanks all over the state. Some of these still exist.

Festivals were organized around tanks; cleaning and de-silting the tanks were a

part of the rituals.

Bangalore in earlier days was very well known as "The City of Lakes".

Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, who had broad vision, established

several tanks and lakes to impound runoff water, so that the same could be

utilized for better purposes and also enhanced the beauty of Garden City. The

farsighted founder dotted the city with numerous lakes/tanks in and around the

city to ensure, that its citizens would always have abundance of water to drink,

irrigate their lands and use for secondary purposes. As Arkavathy, the only river

nearby, was some distance away, Kempegowda began his township by building

lakes like Ulsoor, Dharmabudhi, Kempambundi and Karnaja to provide drinking

water. With Bangalore Cantonment coming up in 1806, a twin city of Bangalore

grew in a planned manner with the maintenance and restoration of lakes.

The earliest instance of Construction of tank in Bangalore dates back to the latter

part of the 16th Century, when the founder of Bangalore, Kempegowda built the

Ulsoor tank covering a huge area of 125 acres. The British administration then

maintained and improved the lake which met the water needs of the city for as

long as 200 years. Water from other lakes such as Sankey, Miller's and Sampangi

tank was also used by the people for their water requirements.

The first instance of contamination of Ulsoor tank by sewage was reported way

back in 1883 after which the use of lake water for purposes of public consumption

was prohibited.

Records show that till 1960 there were 262 water bodies in Bangalore. Today the

figures have declined to about 81 of which 34 are recognized as live lakes.

These figures denote a reduction of water bodies as high as 35.09%, while in

terms of waterspread area it shows a decrease of 8.66 %. 4

4. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/lakes.html

Hard as it is to imagine, the land where Parade Grounds stand today was once a tank and

the promenade skirting M.G. Road was its bund. What's today Rest House Crescent Road

was a canal running from it. Our city has no perennial water sources and has (rather, had)

only a fantastic system of tanks .The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) team found that the

lakes were being choked systematically and would eventually result in their

disappearance. Sources say the city’s water landscape that was 4.8 percent earlier has

come down to 2 percent. 5

Miller's Tank was a huge area of three lakes. Today it accommodates hospitals and IT

companies. The lakes were connected to Sankey Tank. When Sankey overflowed, water

used to flow into Miller's tanks. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden was the brainchild of

Haider Ali. The contribution of the Wodeyars was also significant. 6

Five decades ago, there were more than 250 lakes which took care of the city’s water

needs and cooled the people during the summer. According to a study by the Centre for

Ecological Sciences of IISc, Bangalore, only 17 lakes are alive today though state

officials claim that it could be 64. Of the 17, at least three are fast drying up. The

expansion that occurred since the 1980s has made the City vulnerable to devastation. But

it still has an opportunity to be remodeled to symbolize a new beginning for a New

India.7

5. “Listening to the land” by Bageshree S, The Hindu, 26-06-2006,


6. “Lakes in Bangalore”, http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/bangalore/lakes-drainage.shtml

7. “Bangalore’s lakes: Choked by the IT web” by M. Radhika

Chronological Development around Water Tanks of

Bangalore

1537: Magadi Kempe Gowda (Yelahanka Line of Chiefs ) established the settlement of

Bangalore (Bengaluru) with a fort of modest dimensions and mud as the main building

material.

1605: Magadi's son Kempe Gowda II expands the fort and demarcates the limits of

Bangalore through 4 decorated pillars, still standing today. This encompassed about 25

sq. km. of land to indicate a 4 century old vision of Bangalore. It was during the reign of

these rulers that the tanks were built for agricultural and domestic purposes.

1759: In about 10 hectares of land around the Kempe Gowda Pillar, Hyder Ali expands

an existing mango orchard into a garden and named it Lalbagh. It was during Tipu's

(Hyder's son) time many floral species were brought from Turkey, Afghanistan, Persia

and Mauritius to Lalbagh.

1809: The British Cantonment was established near Ulsoor tank covering a large area

along with a buffer space between the cantonment and the old city.

1831: Shift of British capital from Mysore to Bangalore.

1864: Bangalore connected by rail to Chennai to become second most important

commercial centre. Cubbon Park laid out on 120 ha of land. Racecourse is built outside

the western limits of the cantonment.

1866: A new reservoir – Miller's tank is built to supply piped water in addition to the

water from Ulsoor.

1882: Sankey tank is constructed near K.G. Northern Pillar.

1887: Wodeyars build the Bangalore palace on spacious grounds.

1896: Hesaraghatta reservoir commissioned to augment protected water to the city.

1931: Population of Bangalore enumerated as 3.08 lakhs.

1933: The Tippegondanahalli dam across the Arkavati River brings treated water into the

city.

1941: Population of Bangalore enumerated as 4.07 lakhs.

1949: Bangalore Municipal Corporation formed by merging the city and cantonment

areas. It encompassed 175-sq. km. of land.

1952: Five satellite towns proposed, namely townships of H.A.L., I.T.I., H.M.T.,

Banaswadi and north of Tannery road, within a short time these areas get merged with

Bangalore.

1964: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) constituted.

1971: Population enumerated as 16.64 lakhs. Land values in the cantonment area begin

rising.

1972: Government approves the Out line Development Plan for Bangalore.

1974: Cauvery Water Supply Scheme brings treated water to Bangalore.

1976: Bangalore Urban Arts Commission (BUAC) set up. Work commences on

Comprehensive Development Plan or enlarged metropolitan area of 1279 sq. km. of

which 830-sq. km. is the green belt.

1981: Population of the enlarged Bangalore Urban Area enumerated as 29.22 lakhs.

Decadal growth rate is highest among 12 metropolitan cities.

1988: Electronic city developed on 140 ha of land on Hosur road. The city emerges as

the software centre of India.

1991: Population of BUA enumerated at 41.3lakhs. This constitutes 9.2% of the total

population of the state and 30% of the total urban population of the state.

1995: Revised CDP approved for BMA for population of 70lakhs by AD 2011with a

conurbation area of 565sqkms and green belt of 714 sq kms. 8

8. http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/lake2002/proceedings/2_4.html#address

PAPER-4: Trend in Urban Development around Water Tanks in Bangalore

by Mahalakshmi K

Why are these Lakes Important to Bangalore?

� The city of Bangalore does not have any perennial river.

� It is dependent on the River of Cauvery, about 140 km away for water.

� The naturally undulating terrain of Bangalore city, with its hills and valleys, lends

itself perfectly to the development of lakes that can capture and store rainwater.

� The lakes in Bangalore form a chain of hydrological connection through them.

� The flow of water runs from North to South-east as well as South-west along the

natural gradient of the land.

� During monsoons, the surplus water from the upstream lake flows down into the

next lake in the chain and from there further down.

� This connectivity did not allow an overflow of water out of the lake into the

surroundings area as additional quantity of seasonal water was transferred to other

lakes.

� The lakes thus form a chain of reservoirs in each of the three valley systems. Each

valley at the ridge top gives birth to small streams. These cascades down to form

major stream systems in three valleys

• Hebbal Valley

• Koramangala - Challaghatta Valley

• Vrishabhavati Valley 9

Source: http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/lakes_imp.html

9. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/lakes_imp.html

� The 3 valleys of Bangalore namely the Hebbal Valley, the Koramangala-

Challaghatta Valley and the Vrishabhavati Valley are the repository of all the

lakes in Bangalore and these lakes themselves are interlinked to each other

through a series of lakes giving a cascading effect to the whole system.9

� The lakes, which impounded rainwater, stored it for future use and ensured

ground water recharge.

� The lakes which are live systems played crucial roles in the life cycle of several

thousand species of organisms. It also has a beneficial impact on the

microclimate.10

• Importance to Flora and Fauna

� The lakes of Bangalore have attained an important ecological status as the lakes

have turned into lentic-closed aquatic habitats. These lakes form a unique

irreplaceable system.

� The man made lakes of this zone can be viewed as a basin with several zones of

water at varying depths, abutting a deeper zone that lies towards the bund.

� The zonation is dynamic and promotes the growth of variety of emergent,

floating, anchored floating and submerged vegetation, each of which shows a

preference for a particular range of water depths.

Source: http://www.incredibleindiatour.com/images/incerdible-india-destination-tours/bangalore/ulsoor-

lake-bangalore.jpg

� Because of this difference in growth habits and structure of these plants,

vertically stratified vegetation layers are formed. These fresh water plant

communities accommodate a large number of organisms like varied

periphyton, flagella bodies, insects and mollusks etc., which form the staple

diet of many species of invertebrates and vertebrates in the lakes food chain.

These lakes form an important eco system in the city and they also lower the

pollution by trapping heat and dust and make urban living pleasant provided

the water body is kept clean. 10

10. “Bangalore attracting winged visitors” by Sunil Kumar M

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/bangalore.html

� The lakes of Bangalore are home to a diversity of living beings. The different

types of birds, flora, fauna, fishes found in lakes of Bangalore are:

• Birds like Purple moorhen, Pheasant tailed jacana, Comorants, White

Kingfishers, Weaver birds, Purple Herons, Pond herons etc.,

• Flora like typha, lily lotus, algae, tapegrass, ferns, reeds and rushes

• Fauna like freshwater turtle, frogs, crabs, molluscs.

• Fish like Common carp, Grass carp, katla, Rohu etc.10

� Several of the dying wetlands of Bangalore have beckoned several thousands of

winged visitors from outside the country. Many of these birds have traveled

thousands of kilometers and made these wetlands their temporary abode. The

annual waterfowl census conducted by a group of 25 birdwatchers using block

counting method revealed that several of the tanks were hosting bird populations

of more than 5,000.Out of the 21 tanks studied under a census, the Byramangala

tank has by far revealed the highest number of birds, a massive 40,000 birds. The

second highest has been the Hoskote tank with 26,000 ducks, while the Ramapura

tank revealed about 4,000 ducks. Large congregations of pelicans, large and small

cormorants were seen in the Yelamallappa Shetty tank on the old Madras road.

Under the Ramsar convention on Wetlands, 1971 to which India is a signatory,

any wetlands supporting a population of 20,000 water birds regularly can be

declared as a wetland of international significance. Among the birds that were

recorded during the census include, shovellers, garganeys, pintails pochards, spot-

billed ducks, painted storks, black and white ibis, spot billed pelicans, spoonbills,

sand-pipers, white necked storks, pheasant-tailed jacanas, egrets, pond herons and

barheaded geese. The ducks fly all the way from Northern Central Asia, while the

waders come from around the Artic Circles and sandpipers from Northern Asia

making several stopovers in north India before reaching Bangalore. Bird counts in

the tanks have been carried out regularly every year from 1987 onwards and the

data has found its place in the Asian Waterfowl Census report prepared by the

International Waterfowl and Wetland research Bureau. As winter in northern Asia

would be very harsh, these birds migrate to the south. They arrive in the month of

September every year to Bangalore and return back to their region in April the

following year.11

11. “Wetland conservation for water security” by Harsha T.P, Deccan Herald, 31-01-2003

• Importance to Fresh Water

Wetlands play an important part in freshwater cycle. They are the link between water and

land. They act as filters, thereby protecting sources of drinking water. The loss or

degradation of wetlands has many consequences, such as increased flooding or the

decline of water quality. Wetlands hold rainwater and sediments and purify water. The

shrinking wetlands prove to be disastrous to the freshwater supply.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in August 2002

highlighted the fact that nearly 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe freshwater

and there are nearly 1.7 billion people living in water scarce areas. .The Ramsar

Convention had highlighted the wetland ecosystems as the starting point of all integrated

water management strategies. Sustainability can be ensured only by maintaining the

health of wetlands which are the sources of freshwater, besides being sources of

livelihood to rural population. 11

• Effects Of Lakes On Groundwater

The decrease of water bodies had its serious effect on the level of groundwater. With

around more than a lakh bore wells in the city, there was overexploitation of existing

ground water. In the absence of effective recharging of ground water by the lakes, it was

a logical consequence that the city faced shortage of water.

A study from the Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Karnataka in 1985

highlighted the depth at which ground water was available had fallen to 250-300 feet

from 35-40 feet in past 20 years. Reduction in the number of the water bodies and higher

rate of retrieval than discharge capacity have caused inefficiency in their function as the

recharge zones of ground water in the city area.

The resultant water shortage is the result of a depleted level of ground water and lack of

recharging capacity. It has also reduced the moisture in air in turn resulting into change in

the micro-climate of Bangalore. The seepage of toxic contents in the lake due to sewage,

infestation of weeds etc., and the sub soil water that could be retrieved in the bore wells

for domestic use is now contaminated with harmful toxic substances.10

• Hydrological Role Of Lake

The lakes in Bangalore, which are scattered and placed in all vantage areas, have an

important role in recharge of groundwater. The capability of these lakes to trap and

store rainwater is enormous. The rainwater that could be harvested through these

lakes would meet the city's water requirements partially. A large number of lakes in

and around Bangalore have a vital hydrological role in recharging groundwater in its

lower command areas and also in the valley portions enriching the flora and fauna and

giving a green belt around every lake. But, with the decrease in number of lakes year

by year, the recharge of groundwater has steadily declined to a very great extent.

The terrain of Bangalore is such that the water flows out on sloping land, but does not

infiltrate quickly into the surface soil horizon. This phenomenon of water repellency is

due to crusting of surface soils devoid of vegetation. If this runoff water is not trapped

and groundwater aquifers not recharged, the scenario would indeed become bleak. 12

• Nutrient Cycling

Wetlands, transition zones between land and water are efficient in filtering sediments.

They can intercept run-off from land before it reaches the water and help in filtering

nutrients, wastes and sediments from floodwaters. In certain wetlands, plants are so

efficient in removing wastes that artificial wastewater treatment systems use aquatic

plants for the removal of pollutants from water. Wetlands remove nutrients (especially

nitrogen and phosphorus), particulates and total biological oxygen demand from flooding

waters for plant growth and help prevent eutrophication or over-enrichment of other

forms of natural waters (Nixon & Lee, 1986). However, overloading a wetland with

nutrients, beyond its threshold, impairs its ability to perform basic functions. 12

12. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/role.html

• Lakes in Urban Areas as Tourist Spots

� A freshwater lake when maintained free from pollution can offer many beneficial

uses in an urban area. They give very beautiful landscape view to the city.

Lakes encircled with trees and parks perhaps could be the only place where the

urban population can find a place close to nature and provide aesthetic enjoyment

and recreational potential. 12

� The urban population can free themselves from the polluted urban air and find

solace in the cool air by the lake side and relax in recreational activities such as

swimming, boating, fishing and strolling along the lake shores. 10

Some of the existing Lakes in Bangalore that are preserved for picnic:

Name of Lake Location Facilities

1. Sankey tank Sadashivnagar Children’s park, Boating

2. Madivala tank Madivala Children’s park, Boating

3. Tavarekere Udyanavana

tank

Left of Sudamanagar, BTM

Layout Children’s park

4. Tindlu (Narasipura tank I

& II)

Vidyaranyapura, Near BEL

Factory Children’s park, Jogging track

5. Yediyur tank Banashankari II Stage Children’s park, Boating

6. Hebbal tank Hebbal Children’s park, Boating

7. Ulsoor tank Ulsoor Childrens park, Boating

8. Kengeri tank Kengeri, Near Bangalore

University

9 Vengiahana Kere K.R Puram Childrens park, Boating,

Jogging track

10.

Nagavara tank

Near Hebbal Childrens park, Boating,

Jogging track

11.

Kempambudhi lake

Gavipuram Childrens park, Boating,

Jogging track

12.

Agaram tank

13.

Mogekere

Uttarahalli

14.

Benniganahally tank

K.R Puram Childrens park, Boating

Source: http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/role.html

• Miscellaneous

� The silt removed from lakes after cleaning can also be used for agricultural

purposes.In 2003; The BCC distributed the silt removed from Ulsoor Lake among

farmers. Studies conducted by IISc and University of Agricultural Sciences have

shown that the silt scrapped out of the 200-year-old Ulsoor lake bed is estimated

to be three times richer than any organic manure. Also, the silt has a very high

content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and is free from pathogens and

toxins. 13 � Wetlands are helpful in controlling floods, replenishing groundwater, protecting

biodiversity and providing livelihoods to local population. When it pours, drains

overflow and the water has nowhere to go. According to one expert, this has

happened as the authorities have worked against Bangalore’s system of lakes,

built 468 years ago by founding father Kempegowda, and consolidated later by

the British with a drainage system. While the history books say that there were

400 lakes and tanks, today this has dwindled to 64.It might appear strange that

Bangalore situated 3,500 feet above sea level is facing floods. 11

Though these lakes play a pivotal role in maintaining a conducive environment for

human existence, they have been polluted and destroyed over the years.

13. “Lake Silt will be given to Farmers”, Times of India, 04-03-2003,


Causes for the Deterioration and Disappearance of Water

Bodies

DUMPING OF DEBRIS ON PERIPHERY OF LAKE,

Source: http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/urbpop.html

As the N.Lakshman Rau Report on lakes and tanks noted in 1986, the number of man-

made tanks fell from 379 in 1973, to 246 in 1996, and it is now 81. Over 133 water

bodies have been lost -- 42 in North Bangalore and 91 in South Bangalore, over two

decades.

Investigation has revealed that nearly -

• 30 per cent of the lakes are used for irrigation.

• Fishing is carried out in 25 per cent of the lakes surveyed.

• About 30 per cent are used for washing.

• Only three per cent for drinking.

In 21 per cent of the lakes, cultivation along the lake margins is prevalent. Mud-lifting is

common in 30 per cent of the water bodies and brick-making in 38 per cent of the lakes.

The spread of the City meant choking up of the water bodies.

In the past two years, 23 per cent of lakes were dry due to lack of rain, and 25 per cent

had a little water. When the presence of sewage and degrees of eutrophication was

recorded in 1996, about 28 per cent of the lakes were found to be functioning as sewage

receptacles. About 25 per cent of the lakes have suffered from green waters, and eight per

cent of the lakes had other effluents. And dishearteningly, 30 per cent of vegetables sold

in the City are grown on these tank-beds and banks. 14

14. “Doomsday predicted for wetlands” by Alladi Jayasri, The Hindu, 10-12-2002

http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/doom.htm

Wetlands were destroyed for cultivation and to meet the demands of the increasing

population.

� The degradation of the lakes is mostly brought about by:-

• The dumping of waste construction material and garbage all around the

lakes.

• Leading sewage or factory effluent into the lakes.

• Choking of the water catchment area by unplanned development.

• Damaging the lake bunds by the erratic digging of earth to carry away the

fertile soil.

• Allowing the cattle to graze on the embankments.

• Allowing the lakes to become mosquito breeding centres.

• Lush growth of water hyacinth.

• Pollution

• Auctioning of tanks for fishing and boating in tanks are major problems. It

has been observed that wherever fishing and boating exists, birds avoid

such water bodies. 10

� Agricultural residues and industrial wastes reach wetlands and suffocate them,

leading to their decline. The health of inland freshwater wetlands affects the

health of coastal wetlands also. Coastal wetlands provide nearly 12 per cent of the

total fish catch. But unsustainable fishing and pollution affect their yield.11

Out of the above mentioned factors responsible for the disappearance of wetlands it is

mostly the large-scale development and urbanization which is sounding the death knell

for Bangalore’s many lakes. Citizens groups also lay the blame of rapid disappearance of

lakes on the real estate lobby which targets isolated water bodies to encroach upon given

the city’s ever-growing demand for commercial space. Initially, the state governments

showed the way. In the name of development, they killed the lakes to construct bus

stations, stadiums, golf courses. Later, they handed over the water bodies on a platter to

the real estate developers to continue.

� Developmental activities that have taken place on lake beds:-

Kanteerava Stadium The busy Kempegowda Bus Station

Source: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/05/images/2004020500780401.jpg

• In the late 1970s, state governments began infrastructure projects and

one of the big casualties was the Dharmabudhi Lake. They converted it

into the city bus terminal at Majestic opposite the railway station.

• The KR Market, a busy traffic point, was also a water body a few

decades ago which was the Lingambudhi kere (lake). One finds the

Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Ambedkar Bhavan, a few furniture

stores and the Udaya TV office at a place where three beautiful lakes

that is the Miller lakes existed in a row.

• When the city hosted the National Games in 1996, an apartment

complex was built on the lakebed in Koramangala. Today, the complex

houses former bureaucrats and judges. As a result, the poor who reside

in low-lying Ejipura that surrounds the National Games village are at the

receiving end. The entire area gets flooded during the monsoon,

• Jakkarayana Kere has become a maidan.

• The Challaghatta Lake, which fed the Bellandur Lake, is now a golf

course flanked by a star hotel.

• The Sampangi Lake that finds place in RK Narayan’s ‘A Grandmother’s

Tale’ had been occupied for the Kanteerava Indoor and Outdoor

Stadiums.

That was only the beginning. Bangalore had four natural valleys. When the feeder lake

was done away with, it was easy to kill the rest. 7

• Effects of Urbanisation in Bangalore

Due to the process of Urbanization the population of Bangalore increased at a very high

rate. The rapid growth of population resulted in a high demand for housing and intensive

land use. In the wake of high growth of the city many lakes and tanks were denuded and

converted into buildings and housing layouts. Indiscriminate breaching of tanks for

development initiatives with a single focused agenda has caused significant damage to

the chain of lakes. The inter connectivity which is an important feature of the waterways

have been threatened and even losing its characteristics.

The marginal lands adjoining natural valleys, which were open spaces decades ago where

the trunk sewers were laid, were encroached by buildings and sewage and sullage are let

out into the storm water drains constructed in these valleys.

The encroachment in the catchment area has further added to inter connectivity problem.

The loss of inter connectivity in the water bodies has resulted in the shrinkages of

wetland area, reduction in water yield from the catchment and water holding capacity. In

the absence of the channels that harvested flow of storm water along the natural slopes,

water is now flowing away from Bangalore. This has affected the total rain water

harvesting mechanism and capacity of Bangalore lakes.

Number of slums constructed on either side of valleys discharge wastewaters into the

open drains. The damaged trunk sewers and direct discharge of sewage and sullage from

the slums and buildings abutting the storm water drains in all the four valleys namely

Hebbal Valley, Vrishabhavati Valley, Koramangala valley and Challaghatta valley had

resulted in discharge of sewage into the lakes in the downstream side. 15

15. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/urbpop.html

It is a great pity that many lakes and ponds of Bangalore had already been lost in the

process of urban development and rest of the surviving lakes are polluted with sewage

Source: “Prime land encroached, lake too in danger”, New Indian Express, 15-05-2007

A view of the 15-acre prime land in Chinnappanahalli near Marathahalli.

A 15-acre prime land (survey no. 20) worth crores of rupees has been encroached during

the last few years. It is said that a quarry existed on the said land a few years ago and now

it has become a manufacturing unit of hallow bricks. On May 5, 2005, Lake

Development Authority had alerted Deputy Conservator of Forests about the

encroachment of Chinnappanahalli Lake. On June 13, 2005, the LDA also requested

Special Deputy Commissioner to conduct a survey. It is said that the Special Deputy

Commissioner had promptly asked Assistant Commissioner (East) and Tahsildar to

conduct a survey. 16

16 “Prime land encroached, lake too in danger”, New Indian Express, 15-05-2007


• Immersion of idols

Source: http://www.indianmorning.com/images/ganpati1.jpg

In recent times, the Ganesha idols immersed during Ganesh Chathurthi has turned to be

another major pollutant .The sacred ritual of immersing Ganesha idols in lakes is actually

making an unholy mess of the environment. Immersion of idols after festivals is an old

tradition in all parts of India. Urban settlements have limited water bodies which are

accessible, so for the sake of convenience people have started using the few available

lakes for the immersion of idols.

A study conducted by the Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological

Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore revealed the damage to the city's lakes

and the surrounding water sources when idols are immersed in any of Bangalore's lakes.

These studies conducted in Amruthalli, Ulsoor, Yediyur, Sankey and Rachenhalli lakes

revealed the impact of eutrophication (the negative effect of broken down minerals) on

surrounding water sources such as borewells, open wells, etc 17

17. “Better put your idols in a bucket at home”, By Kanak Hirani, 12 -08-2001,

Times of India, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1252607769.cms

How do these idols pollute the lakes?

� Idols are made up of clay, hay, cloth, paper, wood, thermocol, jute, adhesive

material, and synthetic paints.

� Among these materials used in making the idols, thermocol (polystyrene) is non-

biodegradable.

� The paints contain heavy metals such as chromium, lead, nickel, cadmium and

zinc.

� Immersion of idols after the rainy season allows the bio-degradable and non-

biodegradable matter in the water bodies to settle down.

� The bio-degradable matter is recycled while non-biodegradable substances form

sediments and enter the food chain of the aquatic ecosystem.

� According to IISc scientists, since water bodies such as lakes and ponds play a

prominent role in the ecosystem in recharging ground water, irrigation or

domestic use, water pollution due to heavy metals is a major cause of concern.

� City lakes are becoming shallow due to indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes

and immersion of idols, and some of them have turned in to bogs.

� The water-holding capacity and natural drainage systems are altered due to

accumulation of silt.

� This also affects ground water recharging capability. 17

According to the KSPCB the following lakes have to be monitored during the Ganesha

festival as they are most likely to be polluted by the idols: 18

List of Lakes which has to be Monitored during Ganesha Festival

1 Hebbal Lake 16 Jakkur Lake

2 Bellandur Lake 17 Puttenahalli Lake (Yelahanka)

3 Lalbagh Lake 18 Puttenahalli Lake (J.P Nagar)

4 Jaragana Halli Lake 19 Kari Thimmanahalli Lake

5 Yadiyur Lake 20 Kengeri Lake

6 Kempambudi Lake 21 Maadavaara Lake

7 Ulsoor Lake 22 Raachenahalli Lake

8 Bennigana Halli Lake 23 Rampura Lake

9 Agaram Lake 24 T. Dasarahalli Lake

10 Sankey Lake 25 Amblipura (Melinakere, Kelaginakere)

11 Nagavara lake 26 Hosakerehalli Lake

12 Vengayyana Lake 27 Kelagina kere Bhyrasandra

13 Yelemallappa Chetty Lake 28 Madivaala Lake

14 Doddabammasandra Lake 29 Sheelavanthana Lake

15 Varthur Lake 30 Halagevaderahalli Lake

18. http://kspcb.kar.nic.in/lakeslist_ganesha_fest.htm (last visited on 12-07-2007)

Remedy:

The solution to the situation is not easy as the issue touches upon the sensitive topic of

religion, but we can learn from the state of Andhra Pradesh. Encouraged and supported

by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, schools across the State which are

already into `green activities' under the banner of National Green Corps (NGC), are busy

letting children gain first-hand experience of making clay idols and thus prompting them

to carry the message to their families and in the neighbourhood.The same thing can be

implemented in our state too. The festival as such is quite eco-friendly. Even the

prasadam, which is mainly steamed rice savouries, is also put in water. This helps the fish

and other aquatic creatures, which feed on them and flourish. The traditional plants and

leaves which the Ganesha is decorated with, contain medicinal value, and growing them

becomes necessary giving way to plant conservation.19

From the ‘Save the lakes’ campaign, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board

(KSPCB) had found a new way to encourage Bangaloreans to not use lakes to immerse

their Ganesha idols after the festival. Mobile immersion tanks were taken out by the

Board in different areas of the city so that people can immerse their idols in these tanks

instead of immersing the idols in lakes which may gather silt after the festival .The BMP

from 2003 had asked people not to immerse the idols as some 27 lakes in the city had

been restored at a cost of 50 crore in recent years. The tanks were then taken to the

Boards common effluent treatment plant in Peenya for treatment and the recycled water

was used to water parks.20

19. “Go for eco-friendly idols”, S.B. Vijaya Mary, The Hindu, 09-09-2002


20. “Mobile Tanks to Aid Immersion at Home”, Deccan Herald, 15-09-2004

7. What are the Effects of Pollution on the Lakes

of Bangalore?

Gone are the days when lakes were water bodies that washed the air clean, soothed the

eye and refreshed the soul. Today, they are crammed with hyacinth, brimming with

plastic waste and spilling over with sewage and of no use to tourists, fishermen, botanists

or residents.

According to sec (2) (e) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

"pollution" means such contamination of water or such alteration of the physical,

chemical or biological properties of water or such discharge of any sewage or trade

effluent or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water (whether directly or

indirectly) as may or is likely to, create a nuisance or render such water harmful or

injurious to public health or safety, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural or

other legitimate uses, or to the life and health of animals or plants or of aquatic

organisms.

� Without proper cognition of the growth pattern that followed phenomenal

increase in the city population, the water bodies succumbed to indiscriminate

human interference. In the absence of prerequisite planning for management of

liquid and solid waste the city produces, all wastes were routinely dumped into

the lakes or the channels.

Sewage from layouts was released to storm water drains in the valleys that used to

flow in the lakes. These drains carried the polluted water into the lakes on the

downstream making the water turbid and stinking. The quality of water was

further affected by washing of cattle and vehicle. Water mixed with detergents,

chemicals from the dhobi ghats made the lake water acidic.

8. Due to the presence of high percentage of pollutants, the lakes experienced

an algal bloom. During day these algae released oxygen to the water but sucked it

all up during night making it difficult to the organisms like fishes and aquatic

plants to breathe and grow. This process is called "EUTROPHICATION" or

lake death. 15

9.

10. The effects of pollution of lakes can be better understood by studying the impact

of such contamination on groundwater, aquatic creatures, wildlife etc.

11.

12.

13.

• Impact on Groundwater

The decrease of water bodies had its serious effect on the level of Ground Water. With

around more than a lakh bore wells in the city, there was overexploitation of existing

ground water.

In the absence of effective recharging of ground water by the lakes, it was a logical

consequence that the city faced shortage of water.

A study from the Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Karnataka in 1985

highlighted the depth at which ground water was available had fallen to 250-300 feet

from 35-40 feet in past 20 years.

Reduction in the number of the water bodies and higher rate of retrieval than discharge

capacity have caused inefficiency in their function as the recharge zones of ground water

in the city area. The resultant water shortage is the result of a depleted level of ground

water and lack of recharging capacity. It has also reduced the moisture in air in turn

resulting into change in the micro-climate of Bangalore.

The seepage of toxic contents in the lake due to sewage, infestation of weeds etc., the sub

soil water that could be retrieved in the bore wells for domestic use is now contaminated

with harmful toxic substances. 21

• Impact on Aquatic Fauna

Large-scale episodal mortality among the freshwater fishes of certain lakes of Bangalore

City, Karnataka State, India occurred in June 1995.

Fresh waters have also been polluted by sewage, industrial effluents and pesticides. Many

of these toxins accumulate in bodies of animals high up in the food web like some

predatory fish, and of course, humans. The consequent health hazards are slowly being

uncovered, as in the Minamata disaster in Japan when many defective infants were born

to mothers consuming fish that had accumulated heavy metals in their bodies. Apart from

human health hazards pollution surely results in considerable loss of biodiversity.22

21. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/grdwater.html

22. “Wetlands and Fish”, by Madhav Gadgil, Deccan Herald, 29-12-2001

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/gadgil.html

• IMPACT ON WILDLIFE

In the early decades of the 20th century, the Great Indian Bustard, a rare birds species,

was a regular visitor to Bangalore city. So was the Lesser Florican, sighted at the turn of

the century. Now both are not to be found as the wetlands and grassland they frequented

for nesting have vanished.

Gandhi Nagar, Shankarapuram and Mavalli had vast areas of mango groves and their

destruction and subsequent conversion into layouts sounded the death knell for the Loras,

White-Eyes, Garblers and Fly-catchers. These birds were attracted by the multitude of

insect species which thrived in the groves. The Stone Curlew, which had made the area

its home, was another victim.

Black Bucks were spot in Malleshwaram four decades ago. Today, one has to go either to

Tumkur or Davangere. From an area of two sq kms in l537 to 6I sq km. in 1961,

Bangalore has grown rapidly since then to occupy 360 sq. km. in 1994 and this has

directly affected the habitation of birds such as Babblers, Resident Shirkes, the

Redheaded Merlin and the Redstart.

A waterfowl census, carried out recently has indicated an alarming decrease.

Ornithologists, wildlife experts and bird watchers warn that the situation may worsen if

no action is taken immediately. Once dotted with vast open spaces, parks and tanks,

Bangalore is now metamorphising into a concrete jungle.

Mr. Karthik, bird watcher, points out that over 20 per cent of the country's avians could

be found in Bangalore. Besides, the city is perhaps the only one In the country where

birds from the grasslands, shrubs and forests converged.

Host to a variety of avian species not found anywhere else, ornithologists point out that

Bangalore attracts migratory birds from as far as the Himalayas and Central Asia. The

abundance of tanks and water bodies gardens and parks are the primary reason. 23

123 species of birds:

Bird numbers and the pattern of species distribution has undergone a sea change since

Kempe Gowda founded Bangalore In 1537. The area between Shivaganga and Domlur

was covered in dense Jungle, host to 123 bird species. The Jungle Bush Quail, Wood

shrike, White-Browned Bulbul, Crow Pheasant and Grey Partridge were regular

denizens. Bangalore was also dotted with over 400 tanks and lakes but their degradation

over the last three decades has ensured that only 130 remain. Of these, only 80 are worth

preserving. 23

Systematic vandalism of tank beds and wetlands has pushed out several species of birds

out. Ironically, efforts to clean tanks and lakes by weeding out shrubs, building bunds and

walling them up have in a way affected. The hyacinth in tanks and lakes had favoured

wetland birds such as the Purple Moorhen, Pond Heron and Cattle Egret. The filling up of

the tanks and lakes to preserve the remaining tanks by cleaning the tank bed of shrubs

and water hyacinth along with the conversion of paddy fields around the city has posed a

major threat to these birds.

Walling up shore lines of tanks such as Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake is another

retrograde step. Mr. Bates, an ornithologist, had sighted two Little Grebe nests near the

banks in 1931. Another ornithologist, Mr. Worth, had sighted a Green Heron in 1953. But

with the waters of these tanks getting stagnant and having been walled up, the species are

not to be seen any more.

Indiscriminate quarrying in and around the city has affected nesting patterns. Affected

nesting patterns, which preferred rocky places to roost, have fled to the outskirts. The

bird is found nowhere except at the tri-junction of the States of Karnataka, Andhra

Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hebbal Lake will scare away the birds as was seen to happen at

Madivala Lake. Experts worry that the two lakes could go the way of Yediyur Lake,

which is almost `dead'. With layouts coming up on all its sides and with sewage flowing

from the nearby areas, it has no inlet for fresh water. Nor does it have an outlet for that

matter. No living form will visit a sewage cesspool.

The removal of bulrushes from the shores and tanks has hit the water birds. The shrubs

provided an ideal nesting ground for the Streaked Weavers. Once cleared, as in Sankey

Lake, these birds vanished. The Charadrid Waders, which once frequented Hebbal Lake,

are no longer seen as the shore line has shrunk.

Hebbal Lake alone was home to over 70 species of water birds including 40 from the

Himalayan and Central Asian regions. Incidentally, it was one of the three lakes founded

in 1537 by Kempe Gowda. Constant inflow of sewage water and indiscriminate

construction as affected is perhaps the formula that has destroyed Bangalore's birdlife. 23

23. “The Way we were – Disappearing Birdlife”,

http://www.indiaexpress.com/bangalore/eureka/birds.html

Authorities In charge of Water Bodies in

Bangalore

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, of the Government of India, is responsible for

the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of

environmental and forestry programmes in India. The Ministry is also the Nodal agency

in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The principal activities undertaken by Ministry of Environment and Forests consist of

conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and Wildlife, prevention and control of

pollution, afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas and protection of

environment, in the frame work of various national legislations and international

conventions.

India is a signatory to all the major international environmental conventions, and the

Ministry of Environment is the nodal agency for most of them such as the Convention of

Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention

on Control of Desertification and the Ramsar Convention.

The Government of India has taken many measures to control water pollution and

improve the water quality in all inland waters since the Stockholm Conference, 1972.

India was among the first countries to adopt legislation, the Water (Prevention and

Control of Pollution) Act in 1974. Soon after the formation of a separate Ministry and

India’s joining the Ramsar Convention in 1981, the Ministry set up a National Wetlands

Committee in 1983 and initiated a programme of wetland conservation. The Committee

initiated a survey and inventory of important wetlands in the country. It was reconstituted

as National Wetland Management Committee in March 1987 under the chairmanship

of the Secretary of the Ministry. The Committee identified several lakes and wetlands for

their conservation and management. The Ministry recognized the need for a separate

programme for the conservation of lakes, particularly the urban lakes because of their

special need for prevention and control of pollution by domestic sewage from urban

areas. The National Lake Conservation Plan was, however, launched formally in 2001.

Conservation measures have been initiated in 21 lakes in 8 states which includes several

smaller lakes in Karnataka. The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) is also

responsible for the administration and implementation of the National Lake Conservation

Plan (NLCP). 24

The Ministry has undertaken an exercise, with the assistance of the National Institute of

Ecology, for the identification and prioritization of lakes for support under the NLCP.

The State Governments have also been asked to undertake similar exercise for

prioritization within their states. Some states have set up state level Lake Development

Authorities for the conservation of specific lakes or all the lakes within the state.

The conservation and management plans include, besides the interception and treatment

of wastewaters before their entry into the lakes, a variety of activities such as:

• Catchment improvement

• Shoreline protection

• In-lake treatments (aeration, deweeding, desiltation, bioremediation and

biomanipulation)

• Improvement of recreational facilities in and around the lake in order to

ensure public interest and participation. 24

Maintenance of Lakes in Bangalore has been a vexed function given that a number of

governmental bodies have ownership as well as responsibility for maintenance has meant

a lack of coherent and focused approach. The governmental bodies that have

responsibility of the lakes in some way or the other include Forest Department, Minor

Irrigations Department, Horticulture Department, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike

(BMP), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Tourism Department, City

Municipal Councils and Panchayats. Large number of bodies having ownership and

responsibility for maintenance has led to a situation where each department is busy

passing the buck and washing its hands off maintenance, which in turn has meant

destruction of many lakes, either through encroachment or pollution. This further has

reduced the number of visible lakes to 33, out of which only 15 are in some stage of

being healthy water bodies. This is a very serious issue not only for the ecology and bio

diversity but also for the traditional users of lakes, whose livelihood is linked to the

health of these water bodies. Chief minister N. Dharam Singh in October, 2005 had said

that the government was planning to amend laws to hand over maintenance of lakes in

and around the city from the Department of Forests to the BMP or the BDA. 25

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on 22-05-2007 said that the State Government

proposed to hand over the lakes in the city limits to BMP and those on the outskirts to the

BDA. On the proposal of handing over lakes to BDA and BMP, chief executive officer

(CEO) BK Singh declined to comment. 26

24. http://envfor.nic.in

25. “Lake maintenance may be handed over to BDA or BMP”, The Hindu, 30-10-2005

http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/30/stories/2005103020180300.htm

26. “Lakes may go to BMP and BDA”,


• Lake Development Authority

Source: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/blore-lakes-struggle-for-survival/39176-3.html?xml

Given this background, the government of Karnataka through a government order dated

10th

July 2002, set up the Lake Development Authority (LDA), the first of its kind in the

country, as a registered society, which was meant to be a non-profit organization, whose

objective was to work for the regeneration and conservation of lakes in Bangalore district

as well as other cities, municipal corporations in the state of Karnataka.

According to the Preamble of the Memorandum of Association of the LDA, given that

the responsibility of conservation and regeneration of the lakes rests with a number of

Government Departments and agencies, conservation of these lakes also requires large

sums of money and therefore to meet the needs of integrated lake development, the

Department of Ecology and Environment proposed the constitution of the LDA.

The objective of LDA stated in the Memorandum of Association is, “An autonomous,

regulatory, planning and policy making body with nodal functions for protection,

conservation, restoration, regeneration and integrated development of lakes, whether

natural or man made”. The functions of the LDA are listed out as follows:

• Restoring lakes and facilitation of restoration of depleting ground water

table. Impounding run-off water to ensure recharge of ground water

aquifers and revival of bore wells. Monitoring and management of water

quality and lake ecology.

• Diverting/treating sewage to generate alternative sources of raw water and

preventing contamination of underground aquifers from wastewater.

• Environmental Impact Assessment studies. Environmental mapping and

GIS mapping of lakes and surrounding areas.

• Improving and creating habitat for water birds and wild plants. Reducing

sullage and non-point water impacts.

• Improving urban sanitation and health condition especially of the weaker

section living close to the lakes.

• Utilizing the lake for the purpose of education and tourism. Community

participation and public awareness programmes for lake conservation. 27

27. IMPACT OF PRIVATISATION OF LAKES IN BANGALORE, Rohan D'Souza

http://www.doccentre.net/docsweb/Rohan_final_report_lakes_privatisation.php#Lake_Development_Auth

ority

It also details the governing council as well as the other bodies that have been created for

the smooth functioning of this body.

The governing council consists of the following:

• Chief Secretary – Govt. of Karnataka

• Additional Chief Secretary – Govt. of Karnataka

• Principal Secretary – Finance Department

• Principal Secretary – Planning Science and Technology Department

• Principal Secretary – Ecology and Environment Department

• Principal Secretary – Urban Development Department.

• Principal Secretary – Minor Irrigation Department

• Principal Secretary – Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department

• Principal Secretary – Tourism & Youth Services Department

• Secretary – Ecology and Environment Department

• Commissioner – Bangalore Mahanagara Palike

• Member Secretary – Karnataka State Pollution Control Board

• Chairman – Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board

• Chief Executive Officer – Lake Development Authority and some

prominent citizens.

The functions and powers of the Empowered Committee are:

• Seeking funds for the regeneration/development/maintenance of lakes.

• Grant Approval for the Detailed Project Reports to be submitted to

Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Lake Conservation Plan.

• Grant approvals for the works to be taken up by following due process

under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, 2000

• Powers to constitute any sub-committee/s for the above purposes.

The creation of this body, though seen as a welcome move initially, given the bad

condition of the lakes in Bangalore due to both encroachment and pollution, if seen from

an administrative point of view, is really adding to the conundrum of existing bodies

governing various aspects of Karnataka and Bangalore.

Even though as can be seen above, the constitution of the LDA’s Governing Council and

Empowered Committee involves various government stakeholder bodies with powers to

not only frame laws, but also set up task forces and committees in areas related to lake

maintenance as well as seek funds for maintenance of lakes, there has been very little

cooperation between the LDA and other bodies. Rather than working together, there has

already been an instance where the blame game has been indulged in.

The authority has identified 608 small, medium sized and large lakes within the BDA

limits, and nearly 2,000 other water bodies which come within the BMRDA for

reclamation. LDA’s functioning in the four years since its inception, has been autocratic

and autonomous, making all the bodies as well as powers and functions, listed under the

Memorandum of Association seem redundant. 27

The poor functioning of the LDA has even led the Chief Minister,

Mr.H.D.Kumaraswamy to criticized this body in public and contemplate handing back

the maintenance of lakes to the BDA and BMP.25

• A Critical Look at the Conception of the Lake Development

Authority

By putting in place a dedicated wing of the government to focus on the upkeep of lakes,

one could argue there would be focus through specialized and exclusive manpower as

well as budgets, thereby giving the lakes the attention and energy they require. But on the

flipside, due to jurisdictional complexities, how much authority does the LDA have over

lakes that fall into different jurisdictional areas is what is yet to be resolved. Also the fact

that the LDA constitutes a range of bodies adds to the complications that would

inevitably arise out of inter departmental coordination and interfaces. What also needs to

be considered is that a para-statal body like the LDA may not be so concerned about

traditional uses and users of lakes and be more focused only on the ecological and to

some extent the beautification aspect of the lakes.

Bangalore as such is governed by various entities such as the BMP, BDA, BMRDA, City

CMC, Panchayats et al. Therefore the bodies in whose areas, the lakes fall being divested

of authority over these water bodies point to a more complex question as to what the roles

of lakes are, as seen in the city of Bangalore.

Due to the increased urbanization of the city and thereby the corresponding change in life

style, one could say that very few lakes in Bangalore city limits are used for the last

mentioned role, i.e., provision of direct source of water for daily/livelihood needs. Given

this, one could say that a body like the LDA, which has powers at the State level may not

be so sympathetic to this function of the lake, rather be more concerned with the

maintenance of the water quality of the lake only and maybe to a certain extent,

conservation of life forms that are dependent or are part of the lake ecosystem. Also

given the increasing demand to make public spaces more into leisure, tourist spots rather

than to maintain their traditional role, there has been the development of a beautification

approach to maintenance of lakes. Therefore, the focus of LDA would not be so much

concerned with the social/traditional role that a lake plays to the people dependent on

lake water. This assumption is borne out by the fact that the LDA has already leased out

three lakes to private parties, of which one is Nagavara tank, where the lake and its

surroundings have been leased to Lumbini Developers to create an amusement/water

park.

The other contradiction that has come in by setting up of this body is that the government

has vested in it powers to maintain only the water body and some part of the shore line,

completely ignoring the role shore and adjoining lands play in the overall maintenance

and health of a lake. 27

The control and maintenance of land bodes adjoining to the lakes are in the hands of

district wise bodies like the BDA, BMRDA, BMP or the more local bodies like the

CMCs and panchayats.

This separation of land from water and thereby separate maintenance, further makes the

situation more complex, not seeing the lake as a continuum with land and thereby in a

way not seeing water in a utility context, as an extension and an essential part of land and

its inhabitants. 27

Initiatives to Save Lakes

� The International year for Freshwater (IYF) was the year 2003 and it received

its official launch at a ceremony at the United Nations in New York on

December 12. The aim of the Year was to raise awareness of the importance of

protecting and managing freshwater. The UN General Assembly resolution

proclaiming the Year was initiated by the Government of Tajikistan and

supported by 148 other countries. The resolution encouraged governments, the

UN system and all related bodies to take advantage of the Year to increase

awareness of the importance of sustainable use, management and protection of

freshwater. 28

� Conservation of wetland: The observance of Wetlands Day is meant to improve

public awareness about the importance of wetlands.

• World Wetlands Day (WWD) was celebrated for the first time on

February 2, 1997, on the 16th

anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on

Wetlands signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, by 18 countries. Today the

Convention has 135 members. Ramsar is the only global environment

treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem.

• The convention aims at the conservation and wise use of wetlands as a

means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world. The

countries that signed the contract committed to include internationally

important wetlands in the Ramsar List and ensure the maintenance of the

ecological character of each site. India is also a party to the treaty.

• The emphasis of the convention in the early years was on the listed

Ramsar sites. More than 550 wetlands throughout the world are protected

under this treaty and considered as ‘Ramsar sites’. Originally, wetlands

were seen as a habitat for waterfowl. Today great importance is given to

the wise use of wetlands and on linking them to national land use and

water management strategies.

WWD is celebrated by government, non-governmental and others which

seminars, lectures, competitions and other programs. Increasing public

awareness helps communities to protect their local wetlands and their

important values and functions. The Ramsar convention links wetlands

with the culture, livelihoods and traditions of local people and the

importance of this relation in the conservation of wetlands. It is important

for the local communities to be involved in the protection of wetlands. 11

28. http://www.unesco.org/water/iyfw2/index.shtml

• Wetlands Day is highly significant for a country like India which has a

varied terrain and climate and which supports a rich diversity of inland

and coastal wetland habitats. Wetland habitats in India have been

destroyed by draining and land filling. Wetlands are also severely

disturbed by over-exploitation of fish resources, pollution, choking by

exotic weeds and other human pressures. It is reported that one third of

Indian wetlands have already been wiped out or got severely degraded. 11

� The International Lake Environment Committee Foundation (ILEC), formed

in 1986 is an international non-governmental organization (NGO), and was given

legal status in 1987 by the Japanese Environment Agency and Ministry of Foreign

Affairs.

ILEC was organized with the aim of promoting environmentally sound

management of natural and man-made lakes and their environments consistent

with sustainable development policies by promoting international research and

investigation, and by facilitating the exchange of findings and knowledge among

the experts throughout the world.29

� According to a survey conducted by the Director of Urban Research Centre,

K.V.Narendra during 1992-1993 more than 19.5 % of the total 2301.02 acres of

tank area were already encroached which in terms of real estate amounts to over

Rs. 100 crore. That was the last comprehensive survey of its kind, acting on the

survey the then state government mooted the implementation of a National Lake

Conservation Plan with the Forest Department as the nodal agency. The

prestigious NLCP which promised to conserve 144 lakes in and around the city at

a cost of Rs. 21 crore was placed before the centre in 1995. But it was non-

responsive. 30

29. http://www.ilec.or.jp , http://www.taal2007.org/ilec.asp

30. “Encroachers put Bangalore’s Lakes on endangered list’ by P.M Raghunandan, The New Indian

Express, 14-08-2001

The National River Conservation Project planned to restore Nagavara,

Vengaiahnakere, Sarakki and Kamakshipalya Lakes in Bangalore within two-and-

a-half years. The Centre decided to chip in with 70% of the cost, while the state

would contribute the rest. Pegged at a restoration cost of Rs. 12.35 crore, the

Centre had agreed to chip in 70 percent of the total cost, while that state agencies

contributed the rest, within a scheduled deadline of two-and- half years. At the

time, Deputy Conservator of Forests Vijay Kumar Gogi had said “This is the first

time the NLCP has identified lakes on their development projects in the state,"

These lakes were selected based on their location in the river system and their

tourism potential. 30

� Another funding agency under the Indo-Norwegian Environment project

(INEP) had identified restoration of Doddabommasandra Lake at a cost of Rs. 2.3

crore. The INEP, with its earlier aid, contributed to the restoration of Hebbal and

Madiwala lakes in the city. Of the 114 lakes entrusted to the forest department for

restoration in the city, 25 fresh water lakes have already been tackled by setting

up fences and creating vegetation boundaries with afforestation programmes. 31

� Understanding the urgent need to restore and protect lakes, the Government of

Karnataka constituted an Expert Committee vide G.O. No. PWD-82-IMB85,

dated 26.07.85 headed by Shri N. Lakshman Rau, to study the problems and

suggest remedies for the preservation and restoration of the existing lakes in the

metropolitan area of Bangalore City.

31. wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/central.html, “Central project to give new life to four

lakes”, By Paawana Poonacha

Summary of recommendations of the Expert Committee:

• Existing tanks should not be breached but retained as water bodies;

• Efforts should be made to ensure that these tanks are not polluted by

discharge of effluent and industrial wastes;

• Further, to prevent silting up of these tanks, off-shore development is to be

taken up by large scale tree planting and also removal of encroachments;

• Those tanks which have already been breached should not be utilised for

formation of sites but taken up to create tree parks;

• Existing tanks should be de-weeded and aquatic life must be developed;

• The tank areas where there is no atchkat are to be handed over to the

Forest Department for formation of tree parks / foreshore tree planting and

formation of regional parks.

• The tank areas where there is no atchkat are to be handed over to the

Forest Department for formation of tree parks / foreshore tree planting and

formation of regional parks.

• Implementation of the recommendations should be reviewed periodically.

For this purpose, the Forest Department, Bangalore Development

Authority, Bangalore City Corporation, Minor Irrigation Department,

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Town Planning

Department may be involved.

• The responsibility for the maintenance of water bodies in a clean and safe

condition should be with Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

• The possibility of construction of more tanks along the natural valleys

which now have a run-off water should be examined and implementation

taken up.

• 46 of the 127 tanks in the city’s metropolitan area have been diffused. The

land area of which is more than the area of the 81 surviving tanks

• The happy result of the committee report may be seen in the restoration of

the Ulsoor Lake and the Yediyur Tank. 32

� The forest department and the Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) have now

started at least identifying lakes, a majority of which are just tank bed areas with

hyacinth or wetlands encroached upon by land grabbers on all sides. The tank

status mapping project has helped in tracking encroachers and cordoning off areas

where a court stay order has been taken. 33

32. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/initiatives.html

33. “For lake’s sake: The saga of a struggle”, http://envfor.nic.in

� Various voluntary initiatives like the one by the Centre for Ecological Studies,

Indian Institute of Science, Karnataka Environment Research Foundation and

STEM have yet to take wings, as the forest department, the BDA, the BCC and

the minor irrigation departments say they have to grapple for funds for such

development work. The frequent transfers of the deputy conservator of forests

who is the key official in charge of restoring lakes, affects work. HUDCO, an

agency that usually lends money for house and road constructions had come

forward to chip in for lake development in the city. The Norwegian fund given for

the improvement of Hebbal and Madiwala lakes is a one-time aid given by the

Indo-Norwegian Environment Project. 33

� The tank maintenance committee instituted under the Karnataka Panchayat Raj

Rules, 2006 had said that they would hand over 100 rejuvenated lakes in 9

districts of Karnataka to the local communities under the first phrase on

6th

of April, 2006 and the total number of tanks taken up by the committee for

restoration was 1423. The committee was responsible for improvement and

management of all land, water and other natural resources in the tank area and all

common lands forming part of the tank system. 2

As part of World Environment Day celebrations, in June this year, the BBMP took up an

intensive cleaning programme of Ulsoor, Yediyur and Sankey lakes. June was considered

the “Environmental month’. Planting programmes were also organized in the selected

BBMP parks and lakes to create awareness among the public. Medicinal plants were

distributed in the parks.

List of parks, lakes

East Zone: Jayamahal Park, Kempe Gowda Park, Laxmidevi Park, Kumara Park West,

Ulsoor Lake.

West Zone: Nandini Layout Park, JP Park, SJP Park, Aladamara Park, Sankey Tank.

South Zone: Yediyur Lake, MN Krishna Rao Park, Bhavi Park, KEB Layout Park-BTM

layout, Kuvempu Park-BTM Layout. 34

34. “Lakes clean up drive”, Deccan Herald, 05-06-2007, http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun52007/city200706055742.asp

�

Source: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE120070604002908

As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, the Bangalore Development

Authority (BDA) on Sunday organised the cleaning of Benniganahalli Lake.

Various educational institutions and NGOs participated in the cleanliness drive, apart

from the BDA’s forest department.

BDA Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda said all the lakes falling under the

BDA’s jurisdiction would be maintained by the BDA so that people can visit them in

their leisure time.

The authority plans to take up the task of clearing all the domestic, plastic, sewerage

and paper waste, apart from clearing the weeds and beautifying the lakes. 35

35. “BDA plunges into lake cleaning drive”, 04-06-2007,


Legislations, Policies and Reports Regarding

Waterbodies in Bangalore

According to Schedule VII of the Constitution of India, 1950, the states are

empowered to make laws regarding water. Entry 17 of the State list defines water as,

‘water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and

water power’.

The authorities and the lakes in general are governed and scrutinized by the following

Acts and Reports respectively:

The Lakshman Rau Committee Report

� The government set up a Committee in 1986 under the chairmanship of Lakshman

Rau, IAS (Retd), Chairman, Local Finance Commission to look specifically into

the preservation and restoration of lakes in Bangalore metropolitan area.

• The Lakshman Rau Committee report had recommended that no layout be

formed in tank bed areas either by the BDA or any other authority.

• The committee further recommended that water sheets should be

maintained wherever possible and sewerage and other pollutants should be

suitably diverted. Another recommendation of the Committee was that

dried lakes be developed as tree parks. As far as converting dried lakes

into parks, the authority performance on that as well has been abysmal,

with not one case of tree parks being developed in such areas, but instead

diversion of such areas for real estate development.

• The BDA itself has built layouts on no less than 27 lakebeds Sewage and

industrial waste is being directly pumped into many lakes as in the cases

of Bellandur Lake, Varthur Lake, Agaram Lake and many others. In the

case of Bellandur Lake, where a Sewerage Treatment Plant has been set

up upstream, low capacity of the plant has resulted in most of the

untreated sewerage being let out into the lake. In the specific cases of

Varthur and Bellandur, farmers have been very directly affected. Their

crops have suffered due to using these polluted waters for irrigation

purposes.36

36. http://www.doccentre.net/docsweb/Rohan_final_report_lakes_privatisation.php

� The Karnataka High Court had ordered issuance of notices to the BCC, LDA and

KSPCB following a PIL stating that kaggadaspura, Byrasandra and

Doddanekundi lakes were encroached upon.37

� The Karnataka High Court had stayed the proceedings pending before the Debt

Recovery Tribunal (DRT) pursuant to the auctioning of the Byarasandra tank bed

area to recover the loan due to the Indian Overseas bank from the private builder.

A division bench comprised of Chief Justice N.K.Jain and Justice K.L.Manjunath

passed the interim order on a PIL filed by RBI staff and Others of the Co-

Operative Housing Society. The Indian Overseas Bank, Jayanagar branch, had

auctioned 15 acres 11 guntas of land [tank bed] to recover the loan given to a

private land developing firm. The firm, claiming the ownership of the tank bed,

had secured the loan in 1996 by mortgaging the land. The bank after getting

clearance from DRT auctioned the land on February 4th

. 38

Karnataka State Water Policy

� Importance: Karnataka unveiled its first ever water policy in 2002, which in the

context of an escalating water crisis facing many parts of the state assumes

significance. Water, though a renewable natural resource is by no means "an

inexhaustible or infinite element”, which could be squandered without a thought

for tomorrow. The widely projected fashionable thesis that future wars will be

fought over water needs to be taken rather seriously. As it is, the Cauvery water

dispute between the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been a trigger of civil

disturbances in both the states. Rightly and appropriately, the Karnataka water

policy takes cognizance of the ground reality that a finite supply position coupled

with a growing demand could compound water scarcity in the year ahead.

� Problems Faced:

a) The per capita availability of water in Karnataka too has been

dwindling in keeping with the national trend.

b) Clearly and apparently, there is no way to augment the state's water

resources except through all round saving and intensive rain water

harvesting. 39

37. “Notices to BCC on lakes”, Times of India, 23-09-2005

38. “HC stays proceedings on tank bed area case”, Deccan Herald, 17-03-2005

39. “Will it Hold Water?” By Radhakrishna Rao

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/will.html

� Salient Features:

a) The salient features of Karnataka's water policy includes the setting up of

a water Resources Development Board,

b) Assigning the responsibility of management of water resources projects to

water users’ co-operative societies.

c) Levying water user charges and involving private outfits in the design,

implementation and management of water resources projects.

d) While fixing quantum of water for various sectors, the policy has given

priority to drinking water, followed by irrigation, hydroelectric power,

aquaculture, agro-industries and non agro industries.

e) H K Patil, Ministers for water resources Development, had highlighted

the fact that over 61 Lakhs hectares of land in the state would be brought

under irrigation over the next five years.

f) Of this, around 45 Lakhs hectares would be covered under major

irrigation projects. However, the proposal to complete the command area

development by 2006 as envisaged in the water policy - through a 12 point

action plan appears far fetched.

g) The other priority area referred to in the policy is promotion of

participatory irrigation management and repairs and maintenance of the

existing projects.

h) The policy also points out that top priority will be given to the

construction of canals and field irrigation channels in the shortest possible

time.

i) On the cost and benefits aspects of the water resources projects, the policy

says, "investments have been spread too thinly over a large number of

ongoing and new irrigation projects. Cost and time overruns have led to

more expenditure and less commensurate benefits."

j) Perhaps the most significant part of the policy is the proposal to provide

water to the extent of 56 liters per day person in rural areas, 70 liters in

town, and 100 liters in city municipal councils and 135 liters in the city

Corporation areas.

k) The policy is clear in its perception that groundwater resources getting

depleted at a rapid pace due to its indiscriminate use, the demand for

drinking water would need to be met through other alternative means.

l) The policy says that over the next two decades, the water supply system

for larger habitations would need to be based on surface water sources

m) In the backdrop of the incidence of water-borne disease, in many rural

settlements of the state, the policy has recognized the ground reality by

stating that in about 4500 villages the ground water as contaminated as it

is by excessive iron and fluoride - is unfit for human consumption. 39

� Drawbacks of the Policy

a) Perhaps the most glaring drawback of the policy as highlighted by

Rajendra based NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh is its failure to incorporate a

proposal aimed at empowering Gram Panchayats to manage water

resources.

b) He observed that facilitating of the community ownership of the water

resources is the best option to counter the move to commodity our water

resources.

c) He also drove home the point that water is the next resources that would

be marketed by multinationals.

d) Involving people in the implementation, operation and use of water

resources projects could alone thwart the efforts of vested interests to

"market water resources like other consumer goods."

� Recommendations:

Perhaps Karnataka could replicate the experience of "Pani Panchayats" and "water

users’ co-operatives" active in many parts of the country. In many pockets of

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, community involvement has resulted in the

judicious exploitation and proper distribution of water resources. 39

Annexure: Agaram Lake

Location: Between Bangalore- Sarjapur road.

Statistics: It is under the purview of the Forest Department and it plans to rejuvenate and

develop the lake with assistance from Hudco.

Problems: Agaram lake started deteriorating over a period of time following the

discharge of sewage and silt by storm water from Madivala, BTM layout, Tilaknagar,

Byrasandra and J.P. Nagar. This increased silt deposits hindering the free flow of water

and decreasing the lake’s water holding capacity. According to BDA officials, the

amount of water and silt reaching agaram lake ranged between 70-100 million liters per

day. During the rainy season this would increase to around 2000 million liters per day,

said the4 deputy conservator of forest at the BDA.1

Causes: From a survey on the water quality of two lakes in agaram lake system of

Bangalore show that COD values ranging from 83mg/1 to 23mg/1 and BOD values from

8mg/1 to 5mg/1. The highest COD values are presumably due to discharge of industrial

waste located in the catchments areas of these lake systems. The highest BOD values are

due to discharge of sewage from the surrounding habitations, which so far had not been

provided with sewage treatment plants.

Work done:

• Extremely conscious of the growing pollution levels in the city and the

deterioration of natural resources, BDA has taken the responsibility of

rejuvenating Agaram Lake that had almost dried up. The Agaram Lake has been

completely desilted and converted into attractive water body.

• The Karnataka forest department has recovered 12 acres of land worth Rs.6 crores

in the Agaram tank bed area in the city which has been encroached upon by local

residents and builders. Bangalore Urban Division Deputy Conservator of Forests

(DCF). S.Shantappa and the BMTF (Bangalore Metropolitan task Force)

recovered the land. About 12 sheds and shops which had come up on the tank bed

area were demolished.

• More than 100 volunteers got down in Agaram Lake to clear plastic and other

filth in a cleanliness drive jointly organized by Bangalore Development Authority

(BDA) and Bangalore Environment Trust (BET) on 2 April, 2007.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), BDA, B.Venkatesh had said the

cleanliness drive would continue for another year. He had also promised that they

would organize such drives once in three months.2

________________________________________________________________________

1. “Land on Agaram Tank Area Recovered”, The Deccan Herald, 17-12-2000

2. “Residents clean up Agaram lake bed”, 02-04-2000


Activities:

� Once a cess pool, it is now the retreat place for natural lovers.

� The water birds have promptly returned to their favourite haunt.

� The walkways, lagoons and islands created within the lake also bear a robust

testimony of a re-energized ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Funds: BDA has allotted Rs. 4.38 crores for the restoration of Agaram Lake. 2

HEBBAL LAKE

Source: http://www.bangaloreline.com/images/hebballake-1.jpg

History: It was called as the “Anglers' Paradise”.3 The artificial lake, spread over 60

hectares, was built long ago blocking a valley.4

• It is a natural lake. Before 1984, the lake had a distinct seasonal cycle. It

would get filled during the monsoon and invariably go dry in the summer.

It had a big variety of aquatic vegetation and a large number of birds lived

around it.5 Hebbal Lake was home to over 70 species of water birds

including 40 from the Himalayan and Central Asian regions. Incidentally,

it was one of the three lakes founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda. Constant

inflow of sewage water and indiscriminate construction as affected is

perhaps the formula that has destroyed Bangalore's birdlife. 6

• It is maintained by the state forest department. 7

Spotted dove Purple Moorhen

Source:http://bangalore.metblogs.com/archives/2007/03/hebbal_lake_1.phtml

___________________________________________________________________________________

3. “Norwegian PM Inspects Hebbal Lake”, The Hindu, 24-04-2001.

4. “De-silting Hebbal Lake worries experts”19-06-2007, New Indian Express,


5. “Makeover of Hebbal Lake is for Sure”, http://www.bangalorebest.com/timepass/Hebbal.asp

6. “The Way we were – Disappearing Birdlife”, http://www.indiaexpress.com/bangalore/eureka/birds.html

7. “Hebbal Lake”,http://www.bangaloreline.com/travel/hebballake.html

Statistics: It is above 60 acres4 / nearly150 acres 5. It covers 64.50 acres with a catchment

area of about 2,393.75 hectares. 3

Location: North Bangalore, along Bellary road just beside the Hebbal flyover off the

Bangalore- Hyderabad Highway.3

Facilities:

� The lake has a chain of restaurants, aqua scooters and much more .It also includes

a children park, medical care centre, arch bridges, boating jetty and a handicraft

and curio gift centre. 5

� A well maintained park attached to the lake is a major attraction for the public. It

is also a nice location for birding.8 A small park and a jogging track is also

created. Boating facilities are also available to the people. 9

Importance: The water in the lake is used for irrigation and house hold purposes.

Problems:

A view of Hebbal Lake covered with hyacinth.

Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE120070517001429

� The water has been pumped out the whole water sheet rendering it bone-dry

where youngsters play cricket and other games. 4

� Hebbal Lake is now reduced to an inlet of sewage, stormwater, drains and cattle

bathing purposes. Hebbal Lake which received water from catchment areas which

covered localities like Yeshwantpur, Mathikere, RMV, BEL and HMT colonies

inflow of untreated sewerage and effluents. Sewage inflow from neighbouring

localities has badly disturbed the ecological system and water hyacinth is choking

the lake and its inhabitants. 5

8. “Birding Spots In and Around Bangalore” by Sudhir Shivaram,

http://www.thejunglelook.com/Info/bangalore.html

9. “Hebbal lake: Getting help from HELPA”, Times of India, 29-05-2001 by Sangeeta Cavale,


� Heavy silting and nitrification are common problems.9

� Local residents let sewage into the lake. Within a few years of restoration the lake

lost s glory. With no facility to treat sewerage water that flows in the lake from

nearby dwellings, the lake water turned into sewerage sludge. And then the

hyacinth menace spread across the lake. With the forest department and the Lake

Development Authority turning a blind eye, the hyacinth has choked the lake

without any mercy. ‘‘The lack of maintenance of the lake is the main problem’’

said an LDA official. 9

Desilting:

� The desilting work which was going on at Hebbal Lake had raised eyebrows of

many environmentalists. Experts say undertaking the desilting work just before

monsoon was not a prudent move. Neither the work would get completed before

rains nor would it be thorough work as the Lake was dry. Urban ecologist M B

Krishna said that such steps were very harmful to aqua-life and birds. “De-silting

a part of the lake is not harmful, but covering the whole lake at one go is not

desirable. Further, this is the wrong time to execute the work. The winged friends

are hard hit. Some birds require shallow, marshy and sloppy areas. The desilting

work will deny them this,” he said. “De-silting of lakes should not be taken up

just before the monsoon showers. It looks like they want to cover-up something.

It’s also important to ensure that the island in the lake is split so that it holds water

in between,” added Krishna. Bio-diversity Expert Harish Bhatt said that lake

water should not have been completely drained of aqua-life. The total destruction

of aqua-life would deny the birds and other micro-organisms a chance to survive.

“They have dried the whole lake, and it yields bad results. Desilting should be

done scientifically, by not hampering the eco-system. Since the lake is leased,

desilting should be done under strict supervision and in an adequate manner,” he

said. 10

� "Desilting of Hebbal Lake took place two years ago with an investment of Rs 2.7

crore. Yet three-fourths of the lake is covered with weeds, grass, and water

hyacinth," said LDA CEO B K Singh. This development will not only increase

the recreation options for the people but also encourage eco-tourism, support Lake

bio-diversity, recharge ground water and help us maintain eco-balance, Singh

added. The development is expected to take a year. The entry fee for visitors will

be Rs 20 and be increased to Rs 40 in the last 3 years of the contract. This

massive project to develop these lakes may bring back the aquatic sanctity to

urban Bangalore. 5

________________________________________________________________________

10. “Waiting for restoration of its pristine glory”, The New Indian Express, 17 -05-2007,


Restoration:

Source: http://www.daijiworld.com/images1/viju_0301_trs-4.jpg

� Restoration of the Lake was sponsored by East India Hotels, which owns a chain

of Oberoi hotels, on behalf of the Lake Development Authority. 4

� It was restored under the Indo- Norwegian style. The main objectives of the

programme were to restore the depleting ground water table, diverting sewage

from lakes to treat waste water as an alternative source of water, create a habitat

for aquatic and migratory birds, other animals and plants; and to improve

sanitation and health conditions of the people living close to the lake. To make

sure the lake remains clean, recreational facilities for water sports are provided.3

More than Rs. 2 crore was spent on the restoration of the lake. 8

Work done:

� It underwent a major face lift at an investment of about 16.75 crore at an

expression of interest policy of the lake development authority. The development

of the 150 crore lake was undertaken by the East India Hotels of the Oberoi

chain of hotels for 15 years and it includes a children park, medical care centre,

arch bridges, boating jetty and a handicraft and curio gift centre. 5

� Work done in 1993 at the initiative of Thoreau foundation and Madhyam

international association, voluntary bodies, a master plan was evolved. The

government of India set up a trust named Hebbal lake park association (helpa) to

oversee the developmental work at the lake. the government of Karnataka, the

Bangalore water supply and sewage board, the forest department, several

industries and organizations came forward to assist helpa execute the master plan

with an initial cost of around Rs 2 crore. Moreover, the Norwegian government

has contributed around Rs. 200 lakh as aid towards rehabilitation work for the

lake. Desilting had been done and work on creating an area for wet planting

(plants that help retain and purify water) has also been done. Landscaping work

was also done. 9

• To preserve the lake as a bird sanctuary, 4 islands have been created in the middle

of the tank. Plants are also grown so that the birds can rest. Fish breeding has been

taken up and an eco- friendly ambiance is created for the public. Trees have been

grown all around which provides “lung space” for the people in the area which

can be used for cultural and aesthetic activities.

Status:

� Helpa has grand plans. They propose to have a children's park, granite paving and

seats, parking facilities, irrigation facilities for plants, gazebos on the island at the

centre of the lake, a donor's pavilion with names of contributors, one or two

bridges across the storm water drains entering the lake. Wheelchairs for the

disabled and elderly, first aid, security facilities, a library and museum are in the

offing. The quality of water has improved a lot and the changes are visible from

the main road itself. However, with no further funds for landscaping, work on that

front has stopped. The jogging track is not fully functional. Those working on this

project say they want more funds. A corpus is being created to sustain

developmental work. Nearly Rs. one crore is required and it has proved to be a

struggle to collect funds. Private industries and enterprises and the MPs fund will

be tapped in the future. 10

Lalbagh Lake

A scene of winter morning at Lalbagh Lake in Bangalore on January 20, 2007, The Hindu

By V.Sreenivasa Murthy

Source: http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=11082511

History: The Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore is of royal origin and was started

initially as a private garden in an area of 40 acres by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous

rulers of old Mysore in 1760. Initially designed in Mughal style, on the model of an

extensive garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by

Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of

horticulture by extension of area and addition of a number of plant species. Of them,

Major Waugh, Dr. Wallich, William Munroe, Sir Mark Cubbon, Dr. Cleghorn, William

New, A. Blck, John Cameron, Krumbeigal, Rao Bahadur H.C. Javaraya, K. Nanjappa and

Dr. M.H. Marigowda, as the Superintendents of the garden, have made noteworthy

contributions to the development of Lalbagh. Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the

Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst

the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a

Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally

renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation

of plants. Formal and informal styles dominate the garden in perfect harmony, which is a

testimony to the beauty of nature. Today, the garden is a lush green paradise with an area

of 240 acres in the heart of the city. Lalbagh is well protected with stone walls as

enclosures and it has four approach gates. 11

Activities: It is a jogger’s paradise. Lalbagh is one of the popular attractions for tourists

in Bangalore. On an average, Lalbagh received 8,000 tourists on weekdays while the

number would reach around 30,000 on weekends and holidays. Biannual flower shows

are organized every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and

Independence Day celebrations respectively. 11

________________________________________________________________________

11. http://www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/lalbagh.htm

Location: Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in the heart of the city, about 4 km from

the State Legislature – the Vidhana Soudha. Most parts of the garden is surrounded by

different blocks of the beautiful residential layout – Jayanagar. The city buses plying to

Jayanagar and localities beyond Jayanagar stop at one or other approach gates of

Lalbagh. The garden is accessible through four gates. Vehicles are allowed only through

the East gate towards the Double Road. There is ample parking space on entering through

this gate. Vehicular movement inside the garden is restricted. Access to the Directorate of

Horticulture and related offices is through the main gate. HOPCOMS, MHS and BNCS

offices are easily accessible through the Double Road gate. 11

Problems:

� Immunology specialist and environmental activist, Dr. P. Anand was upset due to

the absolute disregard of the horticulture department which manages Lalbagh

towards fast drying and highly polluted lake in the garden.

• Another view is that they don’t seem to care about the condition of the

lake.The sewage from Jayanagar 2 block is dumped into the lake through the

culvert. The BWSSB erected about 2 years ago.

• The Lake in Lalbagh has beautiful lilies and geese that weighed about in the

water.

• The Lake is polluted by bottles, plastic covers, flower garlands and idols.

The lake is also infested with hyacinth and sewage as a result of which the

lake is slowly drying up. First the sewage enters the lake which causes the

alkaline content in the water to rise. This encourages the growth of

hyacinth .This hyacinth results in quick evaporation of water.

• Since the whole clean up would take 2 crores the horticulture department is

of opinion that the BWSSB is putting it off. But BWSSB is putting it off

saying its only rain water.

• It is the only botanical garden in India to have a natural water body. The

apart from the aesthetic loss the ecological balance of the area has also been

disturbed as water from the lake is used for the surrounding flora. The

increased alkaline content along with the other harmful toxins could well

endanger the whole garden. 12

� Take the case of Dasarahalli lake, where the dissolved oxygen (DO) level is less

than 0.3 mg/lt due to industrial effluents from the Peenya industrial area and from

nearby residences. The situation is worse at Lalbagh lake, where besides being

polluted due to sewage leakages, major portion of the lake is occupied by weeds

and the DO level is a mere 1mg/lt. 13

12. “BWSSB, Horticulture Dept Sully Lake” by Bhumika Anand, Times of India, 04-06-2001

13. “90 Percent of City’s Lakes Drying”, by SeethaLakshmi

CLEANING OPERATION: Dead fish being removed from the Lalbagh tank. Photo: K. Gopinathan

source: http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/17/stories/2007051718800400.htm

• Several dead fish were floating at the Lalbagh tank on Wednesday. Joggers were seen

covering their noses unable to bear the stench.

• A senior official at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden said that that was not an unusual

phenomenon. "This happens after the first few rains in summer. There are two inlets in

the tank connected to storm water drains. After the rain, the water brings with it waste

from the storm water drain. This results in an increase in the carbon levels and decrease

in the oxygen levels in the water because of which fish near the inlet die."

• The official said that experts from the Department of Fisheries had been invited to look

into the issue. "The experts have studied the case and even submitted a report. They

have concluded that the fish kill is because of the decrease in oxygen levels in the

water," he added.

• S. Venkatesh Shekhar, Regional Officer, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, said

that the board regularly monitored the tank. "We collect samples from the tank once a

month and analyse them. The fish kill is not new. It is because of the entry of `dirty

water' from the inlets." Mr. Shekhar said the officials of Lalbagh could not block the

inlet as it would cause flooding in other areas. "However, the board had submitted a

show-cause notice to Lalbagh, even though this is a common phenomenon that is

noticed after the first few rains," he said.

• The Lalbagh officials have now covered the two inlets with mesh so that the entry of

waste, including plastic and bottles, is restricted. "We are continuously taking steps to

ensure that the tank is clean. However, such incidents cannot be avoided," the Lalbagh

official added.14

14. “Fish Kill in Lalbagh again”, The Hindu, 17-05-2007

� Recently, the lake throwing more than 50-60 dead fish on a daily basis- the cause

being attributed to an increase in the water’s pollution level.The rise in the

pollution was due to the sewage tunnel that was linked directly to the lake coming

from Ashoka Pillar area, Jayanagar. During rainy season, the slurry and sewage

from residential areas flow into the lake, thereby polluting it. The deputy director

of Horticulture Jagadish had said that the death of fish due to torrential rains was

common as the water gets contaminated by oil and other chemicals from the roads

nearby.15

Work done: Angling work was done in the lake to commemorate 150 years of its

existence.Garden Environs, installation of a 1.5 MLD capacity fully automated water

reclamation plant that provides irrigation system (Central Control System, Sprinklers,

Piping Network, Power saving features etc) for the entire garden. BDA was to start

beautification works in the historical Lalbagh Gardens. The project included re-laying of

glasses at the Glass House, rejuvenation of the Lalbagh Lake, improvisations to

bandstand, joggers track and fountains at a total outlay of Rs 10 crores. After revamping,

BDA would hand over the gardens to the Horticulture Department. 16

Restoration:

A net is installed in Lalbagh to save fishes from the outlet, where the extra water of the Lalbagh Lake is

drained out, in Bangalore on October 25, 2005. The Hindu, by K.Bhagya Prakash

source: http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=5907598

Another reason for lake degradation is the appalling lack of cleanliness. If the

underground drainage system is not in place in localities around the lake, the sewage can

get into storm water drainpipes and through them, reach the water bodies. The LDA

planned to tackle the problem by setting up treatment plants near the lakes, as it is not

always possible to divert the sewage away from the lake. A tertiary plant has already

been commissioned for Lalbagh.17

________________________________________________________________________

15. “Lalbagh: Graveyard of aquatic life”, Vijay Times, 21-05-2007

16. http://www.blonnet.com/2003/07/23/stories/2003072300491700.htm

17. “City Lakes Continue to Dry up Despite good rains”, Indian Express, 07-02-2005

Madivala lake

History: The Madivala Lake was built by the Cholas nearly 300 years ago. It is said to

have been built overnight. it got its name (which means washermen) because the lake

used to be primarily used by the washermen population that lived around it. Still the

water was supposed to have been so clean that people would travel several miles to take

drinking water from it. 18

Location: It is located in the 29th main, tank show road, II stage, BTM layout. 18

Size: 114.16 hectare. Total wetland area 24.74 acre. 18

Department: Karnataka forest department. One of the biggest of its kind in the city, the

fresh water lake is surrounded by Madivala, Rupena Agrahara, Kodichikanahalli and

Bilekahalli. 18

Problems:

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/14/stories/2007021406920500.htm

� Most parts of the lake are covered with weeds. With chemical waste being

dumped into the lake by neighbouring industrial units every day, the water has

turned acidic.

• Residents complain that even sewage from neighbouring slums is let into

it. The lake which used to be filled with fish at one time now does not

have too many species left. Even those that exist are not fit for

consumption.

• An island that was created in the middle of the lake is not being

maintained. 19

________________________________________________________________________

18. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1240091955.cms

19. “Fragmented Move Casts Shadow Over Tank” by Paawana Poonacha, Times of India, 24-01-2001

• The Someshwara slum adjacent to the lake adds to the problems. "Slum

dwellers are responsible for human waste contaminating the water," says

K. R. Nanjunda Reddy, a retired teacher and a nearby resident.

• None of the facilities that are supposed to be available can be used.

Officials claim it is because developmental work is in progress.

• Environmental studies conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB) southern zonal office here noted that the pollution level in

Madivala Lake is so high that it is as good as 'dead'.

• Due to high pollution-level, the lake is filled with algae, which makes it

difficult for any other organism to grow, in a condition known as

eutrophication or, simply lake death.

• The thick layer of sludge at the bottom of this lake has high levels of toxic

heavy metals, the study states.

• As the sludge is also contaminated, checking the sources of pollution

alone cannot save these lakes. "The entire lake water should be pumped

out and sludge should be removed," said a CPCB scientist.

• CPCB also recommends a ban on immersion of idols in lakes during the

Ganesha festival.

• The algae bloom in the lakes is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphate,

which come from the sewage and traces of garbage and other organic

matter that reach the lakes.

• The heavy metals come from effluents and from paint used in the idols

immersed.

• "Ganesha festival idols, which are usually immersed in the lake, are the

only source of pollution that occurs, that too only once a year," the study

notes. The lake bottom sludge traces of heavy metals.

• The Madivala Lake, maintained by the State Forest Department, receives

sewage and storm water from surrounding localities.

• The study showed that the level of dissolved oxygen, an important

criterion that marks the ecological health of a water source varies in

Madivala Lake from a maximum of 18.5 mg per litre (mg/l) to 0.1 mg/l.

This variations shows that the lake has got as dirty as it can get.

• The science behind the oxygen level variation is that during daytime, the

algae thriving on pollutants release excess oxygen into water, but suck it

all up by night, leaving little for other organisms to breathe.

• In effect, the water is no where fit for fishing. At a dismal 0.1 mg/l it will

be lucky to find some fish there.

• According to CPCB criteria, dissolved-oxygen level should be at least 4

mg/l to make the water fit for fishing or for water supply after

conventional treatment.

• For outdoor bathing, the level should be at least 5 mg/l.

• The sludge at the bottom of Madivala Lake contains high concentrations

of toxic heavy metals including lead and chromium. 19

� Madivala Lake is also facing problems of privatization. 19

� The Forest Department's dead line for rejuvenation and restoration on the

Madivala Tank against January 2001 is floundering.

• With dirt and storm water drains blocked by weeds and construction

activity, people in the area live in the threat of disease amidst a canal

overflowing with sewage.

• Mr.Nagaraj president of sites, flats and house owner's association of lakes

city said the regional plan had no mention of sewage water canal

restricting itself to the re-design of the storm water drain.

• The answer given by the Chief Conservator of Forests B.Chengappa said it

was temporary and once the treatment plant was operational, the sewage

channel would be diverted into it and the crisis resolved. 19

Pollution: Environmental studies conducted by CPCB southern zonal office in Bangalore

noted the pollution level in Madivala Lake is so high that it is as good as dead.

• Due to high pollution level the lake is filled with algae which make it

difficult for any other organism to grow, in a condition know as

eutrophication or lake death. The thick lawyer of sludge at the bottom of

this lake has high levels of toxic heavy metals. As the sludge is also

contaminated, checking the sources of pollution alone cannot save this

lake.A CPCB scientist said that the entire lake water should be pumped

out and the sludge should be removed.

• The Madivala Lake maintained by the State Forest Department receives

sewage and storm water from surrounding localities.

• The studies showed that the level of dissolved oxygen, an important

criterion that marked the ecological health of a water source varies in

Madivala Lake from a maximum of 18.5 mg/l to 0.1 mg/l.

• This variation shows that the lake has got as dirty as it can get.

• The science behind the oxygen level variation is that during day time, the

algae thriving on pollutants release excess oxygen into water but suck it all

up by night leaving little for other organisms to breath. In effect the water

is nowhere fit for fishing.

• At a dismal 0.1 mg/l it will be lucky to find some fish according to CPCB

criteria, dissolved oxygen should be at least 4 mg/l to make the water fit

for fishing or for water supply after conventional treatment.

• For outdoor bathing the level should be at least 5 mg/l. The sludge of the

bottom the Madivala Lake contains high concentrations of toxic heavy

metals including lead and chromium. 20

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. “Studies Finally Declare Ulsoor and Madivala Lakes Dead”, Indian Express, 17-02-2001

Encroachments: Several encroachments had come up around Madivala Lake, according

to a re-survey undertaken by several government agencies at the request of the BMTF.

14. The survey was taken up by the Forest Department, the Revenue Department and

the Department of land Survey from January 2000.

15. While encroachments were removed by the BMTF, several hutments, illegal

structures and a slum still dot the lake's surroundings. The survey has indicated

encroachments in the four places surrounded by the lake, i.e., Madivala, Rupena

Agrahara, Kodichikanahalli and Bilekahalli, while a big slum has come up on one

side of the lake, orchards and farm yards have sprung on the tank bed. Although

most of the illegal farm lands and orchards have been reclaimed, the slum still

exists as do a few structures built on the lake bed. Encroachments have been

identified on 5 acres in the lake.A report on the present status of the lake and the

encroachments on its tank bed had been sent to the state government. MTF had

planned to take up renovation of the Madivala Lake under an Indo-Norwegian aid

programme.

16. When the Forest Department took up work to restore the lake to its original glory,

it came across several encroachments. The Forest Department then wrote to the

BMTF seeking its assistance in clearing the encroachments. By then BMTF had

demolished 22 illegal structures, including a building put up by an elected

representative on the tank bed. Besides, more than 12 acres of Madivala tank bed,

which had been illegally betaken over by some persons for cultivation, have been

recovered.When there was a hue and cry over the reclamation drive launched by

the BMTF, it decided to ask for a re-survey of the lake.

17. Mr.Munikrishna, the inspector-general of BMTF, held several meetings with the

officials of the forest departments, revenue department and department of land

survey and settlement. At these meetings it was resolved to physically demarcate

the boundaries of the Madivala Lake and also pin point the encroachments. The

joint survey by Forest, Revenue and land survey and settlement departments,

which began on January 11th

reveled that 166 acres and 39 guntas of lake came

under Madivala, 6 acres and 10 guntas of land in Rupena Agrahara, 80 acres and

9 guntas in Kodichikanahalli and 21 acres and 35 guntas in Bilakahalli. In all, five

acres and 1.75 guntas, of the tank bed was found to have been encroached upon.

While 5 guntas had been encroached upon in Bilakahalli, 1 acre and 5 guntas had

been encroached upon in Kodichikanahalli, 22 guntas in Rupena Agrahara and the

rest n Madivala side.

18. Bommanahalli city municipal council had provided civic amenities such as

power, water and roads to more than 100 huts of the slum that had come up

illegally on the rank bed. Mr.Munnikrishna, said that civic amenities had been

provided to slum dwellers after they had moved to the High Court against

eviction. A majority of hutments in the slums came up decades ago. He had sent

the report on Madivala Lake to the government, and the BMTF was waiting for

orders before taking any action.21

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. “Madivala lake surrounded by encroachments” by B.S.Ramesh, The Hindu, 28-06-2000

Work done: Some of the weeds have been cleared. Restoration work under the Indo-

Norwegian style.

• Environmental programme is underway which is working towards

diversion and treatment of sewage to prevent contamination of

underground aquifers in the area.

• The programme also aims at better utilization of the Madivala lake for

educative and research purposes.

• But only a small part of the programme objectives have been achieved till

now. Area Corporator, Vasantha Devdas claims to have sanctioned 65

street lights around the lake although it does not come under her

supervision.Some time back the government undertook a clean-up

operation. The lake has also been fenced. 10 to 15 boats have been placed

here for recreation. 22

Status: In spite of several initiatives to clean up and beautify the lake, weeds cover half

of it, the fish are inedible, the stench of sewage pervades the air and the area around it is

badly maintained. Moreover, none of the facilities are in working order. 22

Activities: Although residents and tourists cannot use the facilities, the Madivala Lake

has tremendous potential as a tourist attraction. Boating and visiting the island is an

interesting activity.

� There is a children's playground, a rose garden and a nursery for plants.

Walkers and joggers from the area visit the lake regularly.

� It has a big potential as a scenic relief in the middle of the congested

urbanscape.

� But sadly it's more of an eyesore now. Several rare species of birds visit

the island and the nursery has some good plants.

� But till the time the condition of the lake is improved, birdwatchers and

joggers cannot expect any solace here. 22

22. Express News Service, Bangalore, 16-02- 2001

Sankey tank

History: The Sankey Lake is a 500 year old, perennial water body. It is a manmade lake

or tank. It was constructed by Col. Sankey during the latter half of the 19th Century to

meet the water supply demands of Bangalore. Miller's Tank was a huge area of three

lakes. Today it accommodates hospitals and IT companies. The lakes were connected to

Sankey Tank. When Sankey overflowed, water used to flow into Miller's tanks .Presently

the tank has a well maintained park and a city corporation swimming pool to the south of

the tank, and a forest department nursery towards the north of the tank. It was identified

as one of the 5 lakes in Bangalore for immersion of Ganesha idols in 2001 by the

B.M.P.23

The main characteristics of the tank are its serenity, the placid clean sheets of

water surrounded by woods, an opportunity to enjoy quiet dawns and sunsets, hear birds

and watch fishes flip, and the ambience to sit on the banks and reflect.24

Sankey Lake is

the only wetland which has withstood the changes in the growth of Bangalore even

though it is located in the heart of the city.

Statistics: (Lat.:13° 00'24" - 13° 00'41"N; Long.:77° 33'53" - 77° 34'5"E; altitude: 921 m

MSL, maximum water spread area 12 ha, maximum depth 23 ft, average depth 9 ft),

Sankey Lake is among the few lakes in the northern part of the city with continuous

drains. It is also the main source of ground water to this part of Bangalore. It harbors a

rich biodiversity which includes birds, fishes, aquatic plants and microbes. The presence

of a biotically diverse and beautiful botanical garden and a forest nursery adjacent to the

lake increases the ecological value. 25

Location: The 'Sankey Lake,' is situated in the heart of Bangalore City. It is sandwiched

between Malleswaram and Sadashivnagar. 25

Activities:

• The Bangalore Mahangara Palike has made lots of changes and this lake is now

transformed into a usable park. Earlier, the lake offered only a visual break to the

passer by, but now with all the upgrades, the transformed park is a

walker's/jogger's paradise. All along the lake, are benches facing the lake. Both

sides of the paved path are well landscaped.

� The lake also has a couple of small islands. Boating has been stopped since about

a year, when the residents complained about the activity disturbing the birds and

the fish of the lake. There are also enough parking spaces at both the gates.

� Tarsha Water Sports, the first Indian company to offer adventure water sporting

facilities, is planned to enter Bangalore in a big way. Karnataka state tourism

development corporation has come forward to offer Sankey tank and Ulsoor lake

for this purpose.26 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. “Don’t pollute the lakes during Ganesha” by Kanak Hirani, Times of India, 08-08- 2001

24. “Damage a Tank; Call it Beautification” by Devaki Jain, Deccan Herald, 02-03-2003

25. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/waterpollution/comparison.html

26. “KSTDC Offers Sankey Tank, Ulsoor Lake for Water Sports” by ENS Economic Bureau,

Indian express, 13-11- 2000.

Authority In-charge: The lake is maintained by the Karnataka State Tourism

Development Corporation (KSTDC) which usually offers boating facilities in the lake.

Problems:

� Since the beginning of 1982, drainage of industrial effluent and other domestic

sewage into the lake has been stopped and the lake is expected to be free from

noticeable pollution. The lake faces problems of algal bloom and heavy metals.

The algal bloom in the lake is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphate, which

come from the sewage and traces of garbage and other organic matter that reach

the lakes. The lake bottom sludge traces of heavy metals, the heavy metals come

from effluents and from paint used in the idols immersed. Ganesha festival idols,

which are usually immersed in the lake, are the only source of pollution that

occurs, that too once a year.

� CPCB scientists have studied the Sankey Tank as well, and found it is only

'moderately polluted', as it receives only storm water and no effluents. CPCB also

recommended a ban on immersion of idols in lakes during the Ganesha festival.

� A recent study done by the Indian Institute of Science reveals the following about

the status of Sankey Tank. 27

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS

Physical Parameters The water colour through out the study period was noticed to be clear with non-

objectionable odour. The temperature of the water body ranged from 21° C to 30 °C

during summer. The water clarity indicated by low turbidity values ranged from 6 - 14

NTU and high transparency over 25 cms. 28

________________________________________________________________________

27. “Sankey tank: Fairly clean” by Kanak Hirani, The Times of India, 29-05-2001,


28. “Have we really restored our lakes?” by Sujata S.R., New Sunday Express 13 -03- 2005

Chemical Parameters

� The pH of the water samples during the entire study period was mostly neutral at

all points ranging from 7.2 - 8.4.

� The Electrical Conductivity of water samples at center and outlet were

0.49 (± 0.05) and 0.55 (± 0.29) ms/cm. The higher values were noted

during Apr'97 at outlet mainly from the nursery side towards outlet.

� The water samples showed lower Solids during the study period. The

Total Solids ranged from 260 - 446 mg/L towards inlet, 264 - 398 mg/L

towards center and 276 - 408 mg/L at the outlet.

� Lower Dissolved Solids of 228 (± 47.75), 234.18 (±30.97), 247.2 (±42.8)

mg/L were found at inlet, center and outlet respectively. Similarly low

values Suspended Solids at all sample points indicated that the tank has

less suspended particles and pollution load.

� The dissolved salts of carbonate and bicarbonates of divalent cat ions

(such as Calcium and Magnesium) cause the hardness in water. Relatively

higher values at about 150mg/L of total hardness were found at inlet,

which may be due to runoff from the nonpoint source or the geology,

(which use hardness inducing substances such as lime).

� The Dissolved Oxygen of the lake is at 6.6±0.9 mg/L, 6.7±0.9 mg/L and

6.6±1.0 mg/L at inlet, center and outlet of the tank respectively.

� The DO at all sample points of the lake showed nearly same values all

through the study period.

� Lower values of Biological Oxygen Demand ranging from 1.7 - 7.0 mg/L

were noticed at all points in the lake, which clearly showed low degree of

pollution. Low values of Chemical Oxygen Demand ranging from 15-

105mg/L at inlet, 14-94 mg/L and 12-112 mg/L at inlet, center and outlet

respectively clearly shows the water in this lake is relatively less polluted.

� Calcium values varied from 31.0 - 118.0 mg/L at various points measured

in the tank.

� Regulars to Sankey tank feel there has been a lot of change in the bird

seen: shoreline birds such as Sandpipers ,ibises , Stilts have become rarer

due to walling up of the bund around Sankey tank.28

• There were concerns about the water draining out which could have been avoided

as the rainfall pattern in the state is an important criteria .if there are two or three

years of low rainfall in Karnataka or in the Bangalore area , the water level of the

tank usually falls to 6-10 feet, almost emptying it Thus it is dangerous to drain the

tank in the dry season that is being followed now. It is crucial for water to be

harvested when there are rains – to keep the water table. 29

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

29. “BCC to Sankey’s Rescue after Firm Strongarms Locals”, Indian express 14-07- 2004

� Footpaths have been created in many lakes all over the world for people who

would wish to walk alongside the lake but the situation is different in case of

Sankey tank. The tank’s circumference is relatively small , walking on twisting,

precarious footpaths, reeling around water- which might be reduced to a saucer,

due to the desire to protect the footpath from the water, rather than protect the

water from getting dehydrated- could expose the space of the tank to accidents

and even crimes in the night as policing the walks which are precariously

constructed would be difficult.29

� Residents of Malleshwaram and other nearby areas were against the construction

of a residential complex on the periphery of Sankey Tank and had launched an

agitation under Malleshwaram Swabhimana initiative and Grahak Shakti to save

the aquifer.The Bangalore City Corporation had, by that time recently rejuvenated

the tank at the cost of 3.5 crore. If the proposed project were to have come

through, it would have lead to severe environmental degradation. Large number

of trees had been chopped without obtaining permission from the authorities for

taking up construction work. The project would have delivered a severe blow to

the well being of the tank since rain water , its only source, would have been

blocked.29

� A study done about fish mortality in Bangalore lakes in 1996 revealed the

following.

• Long-term studies on hydrology and microbial ecology, conducted during

the last decade, have indicated that Sankey Lake has high potentiality for

development of inland fisheries practices.

• The average annual photosynthetic profile suggests the significance of the

heterotrophic food chain in sustaining the higher Trophic levels.

• With a mean fish production of 859 metric tonnes/year, the present fish

production efficiency works out to 0.43 per cent.

• Since the lake is still mesotrophic and is amenable to management

measures, a higher target fish production appears quite feasible.

• Sankey Lake was studied for its hydro biological characteristics by many

agencies like the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, the Central

Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bangalore University, University of

Agricultural Sciences and the Indian Institute of Science

• This lake forms an ideal breeding ground for commercially important

fishes like Etroplus suratensis, Murrels (Channa marulius), Catfishes

(Heteropneustes fossilis), small palaemonid prawns and the commercial

variety, Macrobrachium malcolmsonii. This lake harbours Tilapia along

with many other smaller fishes. In the past, the lake was stocked at times

with small numbers of freshwater prawns. 30

_______________________________________________________________________

30. Fish Mortality in Bangalore Lakes, India, December 1996, Issue 6

Ranjeev Benjamin , Kar Devashish, A.V. Nagarathna, B.K. Chakrapani, T.V.Ramachandra

Electronic Green Journal, http://egj.lib.uidaho.edu/egj06/ramachandra.html

� The results were satisfactory, thus providing evidence of its potential for

freshwater prawn culture as well.As a result of human activity over the years;

accumulations of silt and clay have led to changes in the pattern of sediment-

water exchange.

� Dissolved oxygen is not a limiting factor and thus the water has promoted the

growth of 21 species of phytoplankton. Although, the human activity has resulted

in the enrichment of nutrients in the sediment, their level in water still remains

low due to poor exchange of nutrients in the sediment.

� Comparison of plankton species made from three different studies during 1981-

84, 1982 and 1989 indicated that both the phyto and zoo plankton species richness

has been increasing over the years.

� In the 1989 survey, though Microcystis was observed to be dominant among the

phytoplankton species, an increased number of Myxophyceae forms are

considered ecologically significant. A total number of 27 phytoplankton and 28

zooplankton species have been recorded from this lake.

� The 1989 survey covering 97 sites listed 58 plankton and 55 zooplankton species

for the Bangalore area. This means that nearly half the plankton species richness

of Bangalore is found in this lake which is right in the heart of urban Bangalore.

� From the point of view of the lake waters, the progression in plankton species

richness from 1981 to 1989 probably indicates an improving situ annual average

photosynthetic value ranging from 0.81-1.42% and has a mean fish production

level of 36.57 gm-2.

� The important role of Sankey Lake needs to be highlighted, which has been

maintaining the ground water level in the surrounding areas that includes

Malleswaram, Palace Orchards, Rajamahal Vilas, Vyalikaval, Palace Gutthalli

and Yeshwantpur.

� Careful observation of the lake morphology, hydrodynamics and sedimentation,

show that the water from Sankey Lake that seeps through the soil is not lost but

recharges the natural underground reservoir which in turn supplies water to wells

and bore wells in all the areas mentioned . This lake has great fish potential,

supports human environmental needs and contributes to climatic stability. Thus

the multiple contribution of the Sankey Lake to the city's economy through

ground water recharge and the ecological role of the tanks need to be recognized.

� Fish mortality occurred on quite a large scale during June - July 1995These

studies reveal that the fish-kill in Sankey Lake was due to a sudden and

considerable fall in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in some locations caused by

sewage let into the lake resulting in asphyxiation. It was not due to any kind of

infection because none of the fishes appeared to show any symptom of disease. 30

Work done:

� A new design that the BMP had drawn up for the tank beautification, a separate

walled tank of water was being created for the Ganesha immersion. This was a

safe arrangement that would limit the contamination and prevent the immersion of

debris from coming onto the tank.

• There were suggestions in the designs to construct a footpath around the

tank, build a musical fountain, and create an artificial island and to bring

up some other features around the tank.

• One view is that the kind of noise and activity that would be created

around the tank would only distract the visitors of the tank.24

� Over Rs. 5 crores spent on the restoration of the picturesque Sankey Tank by the

BMP had been rendered waste.

• With the tank filled to the brim due to the rains, the immersion pond, the

boating jetty, the obsequies pond, the entire landscaping, the iron railings

and even the pathway surrounding the lake had submerged.

• The retaining wall of the tank, portions of which had recently collapsed

because of alleged substandard construction, was also submerged on the

Sadashivnagar side of the tank.

• As the whole tank bed had become slushy after water overflowed onto it,

the tank area had remained closed for public.

• While concerned citizens and residents of the nearby Vyalikaval,

Kodandramapuram and Malleswaram areas blame the BMP for this, the

authorities, including the Mayor, R. Narayanaswamy, and the Mahanagara

Palike Commissioner, K. Jothiramalingam, had not bothered to visit the

tank.

• "Though the retaining wall collapsed because of substandard material used

in the construction, the BMP officials said the wall fell after a tractor

transporting construction material to the other side of the tank hit the wall.

• To increase the water level in the tank from 928.8 metres to 929.8 metres,

the BMP had started re-doing the entire 1,700-metre pathway and the tank

bund in May.

• The idea was to widen the earlier tank bund by 2.5 metres and a construct

a new retaining wall on the embankment by August; all at a cost of Rs. 69

lakhs.

• But rain delayed work and then the wall collapsed.31

___________________________________________________________________ 31. “Sankey tank overflows”, by Afshan Yasmeen , The Hindu, 14-10-2005

Ulsoor Lake

Source: http://kstdc.nic.in/pix/ulsoor.jpg

Location: It is located near MEG, Ulsoor. 32

History: Ulsoor Lake is said to date back to the time of Kempe Gowda I and II in the

16th century. Two springs exist at the bottom of the lake, but they are now covered with

heavy silt. It was constructed by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring, the then commissioner of

Bangalore. In its heyday, the lake was a big tourist spot and a vital lung space. Boating

and MEG Regatta events took place on its tranquil, cool waters. The mini islands dotting

the lake were used for film shootings and cultural events. Amid the trees lining the lake,

joggers and walkers would sweat it out in the mornings and hawkers would peddle their

wares on balmy summer evenings. It was once a source of drinking water to many

villages. 32

Statistics: It has a radius of about 3km. Size: 50 hectares. It has a capacity to hold 0.25

million cubic metres of water. 32

Department: Bangalore City Corporation. 32

Activities:Tarsha Water Sports, the first Indian company to offer adventure water

sporting facilities, is planned to enter Bangalore in a big way. Karnataka State Tourism

Development Corporation has come forward to offer Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake for

this purpose. It is a popular boating spot. Ulsoor Lake is occasionally used for shooting

films. 33

32. “Will Ulsoor Lake’s ‘Dead Water’ Ever Spring to Life?” by Paawana Poonacha,

Times of India, 02-05-2001

33. “KSTDC Offers Sankey Tank, Ulsoor Lake for Water Sports” by ENS Economic Bureau,

Indian express, 13-11-2000

Facilities: A parking facility was planned by the BMP in the lake's bund area to ease the

traffic in and around the lake as the new parking lot can easily accommodate 600-800

vehicles. 32

Grievances: The Ulsoor Lake's citizens' Forum were against the above proposal as the

bund area is clean and its the only lung space for morning walkers and joggers and that

the vehicles emit carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants which would pollute the

lake and will and the garden. 34

Problems:

• The lake is due to be filled up in the monsoon of the year 2003 with pure rain

water. But the fresh rain water is expected to wash all the mess back into the lake.

General N.S. Narahari of the Ulsoor Lake Restoration Committee traced the

pathway that rain water would take before it enters Ulsoor Lake, first the

catchment area of 11 sq km along Bangalore North and East, then along

pavements and roads into the maze of storm water drains, where the real filth is

stocked.

● On the dried bed near the bridge at Aloysius School on Assaye Road,

about 800 metres away from Ulsoor Lake, lies a small pile of harmful

medical waste used rubber surgical gloves, disposable needles and cotton

swabs.

● The storm water drain, up to a distance of 1 km before the lake, had been

dried up with a cordon of around 200 sandbags. Near Buddha Vihar Road,

residents throw household refuse into the storm water drain, while many

others let out household sewage and sullage directly into it. Richards

Town Residents' Town Welfare Association spokesperson Zafar Sait

affirms that "several houses let their sewage into the drain. Many houses

along the drain have encroached on public land."

● Slum dwellers and construction labourers, especially children, defecating

on the edge of the storm water drain are a common sight. No one cleans up

the mess, and rain water washes all this into Ulsoor Lake. Several slums

and small houses have no sewage connections and are directly connected

to the drain.

● Further upstream near the Mosque Road intersection, the drain is filled

with plastic covers, bottles, tender coconut shells, thermocol and other

refuse, not to mention caked sewage and sullage. Says BCC special

commissioner I.S.N. Prasad: "Household sewage will be redirected into

the underground drainage. We have silt traps to check the flow of solid

waste, there is a 5-acre sedimentation tank where solid sediments will be

collected and removed. To prevent sullying of the lake, the first flow of

dirty rain water will be redirected into a diversion pipe." 35

______________________________________________________________________________________

34. “BMP Plans Green Ride to Commercial Street” by Prathima Nandakumar,

Deccan Herald, 10-01-2007

35. “Filth is Still Ulsoor Lake Waterloo” by Bansy Kalappa, TIMES NEWS NETWORK,

13-04-2003, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/43300014.cms

� For as long as a Bangaloreans can remember, Ulsoor Lake has evoked images of a

murky green, foul smelling, polluted, contaminated, hyacinth-infested water body,

brimming with slime. Urbanization, pollution, poor management, unchecked

effluent and sewage discharge have taken their toll on this once beautiful, serene

lake. Over the years it has become an eyesore and a bane for residents living

nearby. Its pollution levels are a cause of concern for Bangaloreans. Constant

efforts have been made to restore the lake to its former glory, but attempts have

been abortive. Ulsoor Lake is chock-a-block with water hyacinth and needs

regular clearing up. It is silted to about 50 per cent of its actual depth and reports

say that the quantity of silt on the lake bed is about five lakh metric tonne. The

fishing contract was given to Fishing Society. Hundreds of fish were found in the

lake falling pray to lack of oxygen in the water. A stock of 61,500 containing

Grass Carp, Silver Carp and Catla, the major Indian Carp and Mrigal fish variety

which were introduced in the lake by BMP in November 2003.

● The reason behind high mortality of fresh water fish in the lake was due to

sudden and considerable fall in dissolved oxygen levels.

● And over crowding in the lake also resulted in asphyxiation.

● Increase in the aquatic weeds and algae has also contributed to this

situation.36

� Environmentalists claim there are several small dye manufacturing units in the

vicinity, which discharge highly concentrated detergents and other chemicals into

the lake. The BMP also issued a show- cause notice to the assistance Engineer in-

charge of the Ulsoor Lake, Himachala. 37

� Even a fortnight after KSPCB reported that the mass death of fish was due to

discharge of pollutants like sewage water, the BMP has turned a blind eye. The

civic body has neither tried to examine the reason for the death of fish nor has it

sought any explanation from BWSSB. It was the BWSSB which implemented the

work to divert sewage water from entering the lake at a cost of over Rs.1 crore.

• The only initiative that the BMP took after the incident was spraying

potassium permanganate and zeolite to enhance the oxygen level and

absorb the pollutants in the lake. 38

Encroachments: The achkut has been totally destroyed for developing a housing colony

by the Karnataka Housing Board. Nearly half the lake has been encroached for revenue

sites between 1985 and 1991. 32

________________________________________________________________________

36. “Hundreds of Fish Perish, Lie Afloat in Ulsoor Lake”, Deccan Herald, 27-01-2005

37. “Fish Deaths: BMP yet to Find Cause”, Deccan Herald, 28-01-2005

38. “BMP Smells Nothing Fishy in Ulsoor Lake” by P.M Raghunandan, Deccan Herald, 25-02-2005

Causes: Environmental studies conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB) southern zonal office here note that pollution levels in Ulsoor and Madivala

lakes are so high that they are as good as 'dead'.

● Due to high pollution-levels, the lakes are filled with algae, which make it

difficult for any other organism to grow, in a condition known as

eutrophication or, simply lake death. The thick layer of sludge at the

bottom of these lakes has high levels of toxic heavy metals, the study

states. As the sludge is also contaminated, checking the sources of

pollution alone cannot save these lakes. "The entire lake water should be

pumped out and sludge should be removed," said a CPCB scientist. CPCB

also recommends a ban on immersion of idols in lakes during the Ganesha

festival. The algal bloom in the lakes is caused by excess nitrogen and

phosphate, which come from the sewage and traces of garbage and other

organic matter that reach the lakes. The heavy metals come from effluents

and from paint used in the idols immersed.

● Depletion of dissolved oxygen(DO) to as low as 1.1mg/lt had lead to the

death of a large number of fish as normal fish require at least 4mg/lt of

DO for their survival. A senior official's initial assessment was that DO

depletion must have occurred due to eutrophication. Eutrophication is a

common occurrence in closed lake systems where waste discharge

increases the phosphorous levels in the lake water. Phosphorous is a

critical nutrient for growth of algae.

● Due to constant increase in phosphorous levels, algae concentration

increases till the growth cannot be sustained by the available phosphorous.

Then the algae “bloom” start to die, leading to decay. The decay of dead

algae uses up the entire DO in the water which soon deprives the fish of

the oxygen turning the water body into a dead lake. For maintaining the

DO level there has to be huge discharge of waste containing phosphorous

components. Recent wash water flush from the adjoining swimming pool

containing huge quantities of chlorides is suspected to have caused

chemical deterioration of oxygen levels in the lake.

● “Guppy” fish: BCC had released special specie of fish called Guppy to

control the mosquito menace last year. This fish grows at low oxygen

levels and thrives on the larvae of the mosquitoes. Member secretary to

KSPCB K.S.Sai Babu suspects the excessive growth of guppy for DO

depletion. However Chief Horticulture Officer BCC denies this. He

maintained that BCC had not introduced guppy fish in the lake. 39

_________________________________________________________________________________

39. “Fish in Ulsoor Lake Killed due to Depletion of Oxygen Levels”, Indian express, 28-01-2005

� Another reason for the death of the fish was that the fish was not harvested from a

long time. The BMP entered into a contract with the society for harvesting for

year. The contract is valid but the society has not harvested fish for a long time.

• Also, the BMP requested the Bangalore District Fisheries' Cooperative

Society to harvest fish to reduce their density. 40

� Extensive deforestation in the catchment area due to increased habitation,

unlawful encroachment stretched up to the few slums through the years seem to

be one of the causes of the havoc.

� According to sources, the open stormwater drain originating from areas as

far as Marathahalli (Airport Road) is one of the causes for the havoc.

� Industrial effluents, debris, domestic garbage, including loads of plastic,

sewage and sullage, are dumped into the drain. The underground sewage

system runs parallel and at many places, under the bed of the stormwater

drain. These spew out sewage- all along Kadugodanahalli,

Devarajeevanahalli, Kavalbyrasandra- whenever there is a breakdown and

bad maintenance.

� Another main source of pollution is the number of sewage pipes running

along the open drains connecting from Krishnarajapuram area.

Environmentalist Suresh Heblikar had said that regular overflow of

sewage due to heavy corrosion in the pipes resulted in perpetual mixing up

of the sewage with stormwater drains.

� Another source could be attributed to the slaughter house on Pottery Road.

The blood stained water enters the lake via defective and clogged

underground and surface drains. 32

_________________________________________________________________________

40. “Fish Kill in Ulsoor Lake Raises a Stink” by Govind D. Belgaumkar, The Hindu, 27-01-2005

Restoration:

Source: http://static.flickr.com/34/70371386_6eab2f5740.jpg

� BBMP commissioner K Jairaj has instructed officers to clear garbage collected

around Ulsoor Lake immediately. During his surprise visit to the lake Mr Jairaj

took exception to piling up of municipal waste in the tank area.

● He instructed officers to ask the solid waste management contractors to

clear the garbage in the next two days. The commissioner also asked the

deputy conservator of forests to beautify the tank surroundings. He

inspected re-modeling works of Challaghatta storm water drain and

directed officers to complete works at a faster pace.

● Asked on municipal solid waste management, Mr. Jairaj said the Palike

has written to the state government seeking 1,000 acres of land, (250 acres

each in four zones) for the scientific disposal of the waste. “We are

demanding land keeping the generation of municipal waste in Bangalore

in the next few years in mind,” he said. 41

� The BCC worked on improvising the lake by erecting grills on the periphery of

the lake, a 2 km jogging track, garden benches and creating a green cover and

trees were planted on either side of the joggers' track. Two contractors undertook

this work for Rs.90.65 lakh and Rs.80.90 lakh respectively. 42

__________________________________________________________________________________

41. “Clear municipal waste around Ulsoor lake:Jairaj”, Deccan Herald, 10-05-2007,

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/May102007/city.asp

42. “A New Improved Ulsoor Lake Soon” by Basavaraj Itnel, New Indian Express, 22-7-2005

� A provisional time-bound programme was chalked out by the government-

formed Ulsoor Lake Foundation (ULF) with Additional Chief Secretary

A. Ravindra as the chairman to rejuvenate the lake.

� The technical report estimates the cost to be Rs. 8-10 crores. The

foundation proposes to relay the underground drainage system in certain

places and upgrade them in few others. The BWSSB, BCC and the ULF

are seeking ways to raise funds. The foundation estimated that the

pollutants entering the lake, after restoration would be reduced by 75 to 80

percent. 32

Work done:

• The Ulsoor Lake Park has been improved and is well maintained now. The joint

cleanliness drive has breathed new life to the lake. Recently MEG soldiers put in

a week's labour to clean up the lake. A technical committee of the Save Ulsoor

Lake Foundation, along with the Technology Alumni Association (IIT

Kharagpur), has prepared a report on restoration of the lake. The committee has

suggested desilting of the entire lake and measures to prevent entry of sewage and

pollutants into it. 43

� The BMP constructed special 'sedimentation tanks' were built at points where rain

water flows into the lake. The tank traps the silt which would otherwise enter the

lake. Special immersion tanks were also created; idols and puja articles are to be

immersed only there. The BMP also released 65,000 fish into the lake.44

� Eighty five percent of the weeding water hyacinth out of the lake has been

complete. Almost 4,000 army men from the Madras Engineering Group and the

Centre nearby completed the operation. The weeds were dumped in the MEG land

opposite to BDA Shopping Complex in Indira Nagar. 45

� BBMP Commissioner, K.Jairaj, visited Ulsoor Lake and instructed the officials to

take measures to prevent pollution of the lake and its surroundings and asked the

garbage contractors to remove solid waste dumped on the north-east side of the

lake. He also ordered the officials to clean up the drains in Challaghatta valley

leading to Ulsoor Lake. 46

_________________________________________________________________________________

43. “Ulsoor lake: Clogged lung space” by Vinita G Singh, The Times of India,29-05-2001,

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?catkey=-

2128833038&art_id=1131804996&sType=1

44. “Lakes get a New Lease of Life”, The Hindu, 26-06-2004

45. “Ulsoor Lake restakes its Claim as City Landmark”, Indian express, 21-05-2001

46. “The Clean up Act”, Indian express, 10-05-2007

� The Foundation will soon take up restoration work for the lake at a cost of Rs 10

crores. Work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

● The BWSSB has been asked to identify points where sewage enters the

lake, and estimate the cost of diverting it. The underground drainage

system needs to be relaid in some places. The BWSSB has estimated that

it will cost Rs 2.07 crore to revamp the entire system. Work has

commenced in high priority areas and depending on the availability of

funds, they hope to complete the entire work by the end of this year.

● The lake is fed by storm water drains which often carry sewage in it.

Desilting the lake should be done to restore it to its former glory.

● Apart from this, a water purifying system has to be provided to clean the

water that enters the lake. Once the work is completed, entry of pollutants

to the lake will be reduced by about 75 to 80 per cent. Remarks.

● To add character to the landscape a statue of Swami Vivekananda is yet to

be installed on one of the islands in the lake. 44

Varthur Lake

History: Varthur Lake is an artificial lake. This lake has played an important role in

maintaining water resources for irrigation since its construction during the Ganga Empire

over 1,000 years ago (Karnataka State Gazetteer, 1990). Over the centuries, it has

developed into a complex ecosystem that provides habitat for a variety of plant and

animal species, including resident and migratory waterfowl. The lake also endows the

local community with a pleasant microclimate and considerable aesthetic appeal. 47

Statistics: The largest town in the immediate area is Varthur, which had a population of

5,431 as per 1981 census. 47

Location: It is located in the Bangalore South taluk of the Bangalore District in

Karnataka near Whitefield. The lake is surrounded by small farms that grow rice, ragi,

coconut, flowers, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Several smaller villages are also

located near the periphery of the lake. 47

Problems:

� The lake may not count among the city's most polluted lakes. But according to the

KSPCB, the BOD or the bio-chemical oxygen in demand does exceed the

accepted limit of 5 when the water remains stagnant. Farmers and villagers who

live in Varthur had washed vegetables in the lake for many years. Said Baula, a

vegetable seller who hails from Varthur, "We wash carrots, tomatoes and beetroot

in this lake. We have done this for years. The water is okay, nothing happens."

Picking up a tomato covered with flies, Baula tried to emphasize his point, and

"The tomatoes and carrots are already dirty. We make them clean by washing

them in the lake". But some sellers, like Chinnamma, shook their head

vehemently at the suggestion that their vegetables were washed in Varthur Lake.

"I wash the vegetables in Hoskote. The Varthur Lake is so dirty, how can I wash

my vegetables there?" she asked. 48

� Rapid development and population expansion, both within Bangalore and in the

surrounding towns and villages, have taken a heavy toll on many of the tanks in

the area, and Varthur is no exception.49

• Varthur Lake is part of a system of interconnected tanks and canals that receive

virtually all the surface runoff, wastewater, and sewage from the Bangalore South

taluk. The Bangalore South taluk alone has experienced a surge in its population

from 2,84,556 to 4,45,581 between 1971 and 1981. 47

________________________________________________________________________

47. Census of India, 1981

48. Times of India, 27-09-2000

49. STATUS OF WETLANDS IN BANGALORE, TECHNICAL REPORT 86: Ramachandra T.V.,

Kiran R., Ahalya N, Deepa R.S. Source: Survey of India , 1980. Bangalore District. 1st Edition No. 57

H/9.

� It is constantly contaminated by residential, agricultural, commercial and

industrial wastes. Silt and sediment-laden water enters the lake from the Bellandur

canal, Challaghatta. The local municipal corporation dumps garbage in the lake.

Contamination of water has led to several problems in the area like increase in

mosquito menace and many have even suffered from malaria and dermatitis.

Principal of a school nearby, M.A Khan said the lake is eutrophic with high

concentration of phosphorous and organic matter. The Dissolved oxygen (DO)

level is extremely low, so there is no aquatic life. Residents fear the place

flooding up. Since the developers had encroached into the canal and put four

metre diameter pipes, It had obstructed flow of water.50

� The Varthur Lake is also facing serious problems of privatization.A college had

also been built on the lake bund in 2003. 51

The joint legislature house committee observed that at least 54 acres of government land

worth Rs 400 crore have been encroached upon in Varthur, after inspecting the area in

June, 2007. A T Ramaswamy, chairman of the committee, set up to identify government

land encroachments, had said that they had urged the government to punish the officials

who had connived with private parties and encroached upon the lake.52

Status: The Ecology and Environment Department plans to take up work to improve the

lake. "It will be done shortly under Government of India’s National Lake Conservation

Programme," said Secretary Ecology and Environment Mohammad Sanaulla.50

Work Done: LDA had written to City Municipal Council and Pollution Control Board to

take steps to check contamination of lake. Even Pollution Control Board officials said

that sewage water enters into the lake. ‘‘Though there is sewage treatment plant of

adequate capacity on the banks of Bellandur Lake, all the sewage water do not enter the

plant but flows directly to the Varthur Lake,” an official said. The Centre for Ecological

Science, Energy Research Group of IISc had done a study on the lake. The study revealed

the possible impact of water contamination on crops.50

__________________________________________________________________

50. “Varthur Lake Dying”, by Dipannita Das, New Indian Express, 0 2 - 0 8 - 2 0 0 6

5 1 . Times of India, 27-08-2003

52. “Officials' hand in encroachment”, 08-06-2007,

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Officials_hand_in_encroachment/rssarticleshow/2107651cms

Yediyur Lake

Source:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/harisaravanan/Vinayaka%20Chaturthi%202006/Yediyurl

akereadyformurtis.jpg

History: The distinguished feature of this fresh water lake is the sculpture of a girl by

artist John Devaraj costing Rs. 2.63 lakh, situated right at the centre of the lake.

Location: The Yediyur tank is situated on the Kanakapura, the road in Jayanagar area of

the south of the city. The tank has park and residential layout adjacent the tank.

Statistics: It covers an area of about 4 hectares 53

/ 6.45 hectares 54

/1 hectare 55

. The tank

has two major inlets and two outlets.

________________________________________________________________________

53. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/wrc/wrc_right_down_wq.html

54. http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/pseries.html 55. “Yediyur lake among most polluted” by Daksha Hathi, Deccan Herald, 10-01-2001

Problems:

A file photo of Yediyur Lake in Jayanagar in Bangalore

source: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/16/stories/2007051616860200.htm

� It was noticed that the tank receives both industrial and domestic sewage apart

from the solid wastes dumped across the periphery of the tank serving as a

breeding ground for mosquitoes and emitting obnoxious odour. This tank is

heavily infested with microcystis which indicates the tank is polluted.

The Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) of the IISc which did a one year study

of the Yediyur lake, (funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests)

comparing it with the Bannerghatta lake issued an urgent appeal for restoration of

the former, which is severely polluted. The CES monitored Yediyur’s water

quality for a year and noted that:

• Waters were greenish black

• High chloride levels of 109.8 mg/ltr

• Hardness due to domestic and industrial washings

• Total dissolved solids ranging from 208 to 428 mg/ltr

• Other impurities due to food wastes and detergents

• Persistent blooms of toxic blue-green algae

• Biological Oxygen Demand(BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD)

• High concentration of chlorides in an indicator of pollution due to high

organic wastes of animal or industrial origin.

• Breeding ground for mosquitoes 55

Encroachments:

� Of total 6.88 hectares of the lake area, 2.43 hectares has been encroached upon.56

54. “BJP members urge BCC to renovate Puttanna Theatre”, Vijay Times, 08-03-2006

• Physical Parameters: The tank water was greenish owing to the high plankton

density. High values of turbidity were noticed mainly due to plankton and sewage.

Transparency of 5 - 14 cms indicates low light penetration. The temperature of the

water measured during sampling time (10-11 am) varied from 23 - 29 ºC.

Chemical Parameters: The pH of the sample was mostly towards alkaline

ranging from 7.5 to 10.1. The decrease in pH during the monsoons may be due to

characteristic of sewage, decreased photosynthetic activity and also by the inflow

of surface runoff waters. Maximum values noticed during summer months may be

due to increased photosynthetic activity by the algal blooms.The Dissolved

Oxygen of the tank ranged from 4.0 to 10.0 mg/L at the center and from 3.8 to 8.9

mg/L towards the inlet. Relatively lower values at the inlet was due to the sewage

and solid wastes preventing air-water interaction and decomposition of organic

matter leading to lower dissolved oxygen. The higher values noticed at the center

may be due to the higher planktonic density resulting in higher photosynthetic

activity. The Chemical Oxygen Demand values ranged from 84 mg/L in Oct'97

to a high of 378 mg/L during Apr'97 at the center and 112 mg/L in Sept'97 to high

of 370 mg/L during Apr'97 towards inlet. During April'97 high values of COD

was noticed, which may be due to less volume of water (evaporation) and

continued inflow of sewage. The lower values during Sept-Oct'97 is due to inflow

of catchment runoff resulted in dilution (Monsoon).The Biological Oxygen

Demand values ranged from 14 - 32 mg/L towards the center of the lake and 17 -

31 mg/L towards the inlet where there was high influx of pollutants.The

Suspended Solids in the lake was about 151.8 (avg) ± 58.6 (SD) mg/L towards

the center and 167.5 (avg) ±48.2 (SD) mg/L towards the inlet. The high

suspended solids were noticed during summer which may due to the algal blooms

resulting in higher plankton density towards the center and due to sewage at the

inlet. Maximum Total Solids were noticed both at inlet and towards the center

which may be due to decreased water depth and inflow of sewage. The Total

Dissolved Solids showed higher values towards the inlet ranging from 208 - 428

mg/L at an average of 272.0 mg/L. Similarly at the center it ranged from 212 to

402 mg/L at an average of 296.4 mg/L. The dissolved solids were noticed to be

more during the summer at both points, which may due to the lower water levels.

The higher concentration of Chlorides, an indicator of organic pollution In the

present study chlorides were noted at an average of 109.8 mg/L at the center and

96.0 mg/L towards the inlet. The Total Hardness ranged from 157.1 ± 30.5 mg/L

towards the center to 146.5 ± 34.1 mg/L at inlet respectively. The main source of

hardness in this lake was noticed which is due to the domestic and the industrial

sewage apart from the non-point source runoff.

The major cat ions Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium showed

noticeable variations. Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium were at 74.2 ± 19.5, 20.2

± 10.9 and 80.1 ± 12.6 mg/L respectively.

__________________________________________________________________

57. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlands/result.html#YED

� The Yediyur Lake in Bangalore is very polluted, says a study conducted by the

IISc, Bangalore. The ministry of environment and forests funded the one-year

study which was done by IISc's CES. The CES study shows that Yediyur is now a

cesspool clogged with domestic and industrial sewage. The lake waters have

become greenish black and are loaded with high chloride levels. Domestic and

industrial effluents have also contaminated the water and its total dissolved solids

ranges from 208-428 milligrammes per litre. Its value of biological oxygen

demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorides and other impurities

are much higher than the limits set by the World Health Organisation and the

Central Pollution Control Board. "The air around the Yediyur is foul. It has

become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. There is an immediate need to check

its pollution," said Ramachandra T V, a scientist with CES. The scientists, who

conducted the study, have urged the state government to take steps for the

restoration of the lake.58

Funds:

� The BMP announced that the lake will be developed and renovated in a phased

manner at an estimated cost of Rs.60 lakhs. According to a BMP release Mayor

M.Ramachandrappa undertook an inspection of the rain affected areas in south

Bangalore today and announced that Rs. 60 lakhs has already been released for

development of Yediyur Lake. The overall development of the lake will be taken

up in stages for which work will soon commence, the release added. The Mayor

called upon the public not to dispose organic waste and garbage into the lake

which will be given a new look soon. M.Ramachandrappa instructed the officials

concerned to take measures to prevent logging of rain water in the Yediyur ward.

He also instructed them to clear the secondary drained which had clogged on K.R

road. He inspected the construction of secondary storm water drains at Yediyur

circle. M.L.A Ramalinga Reddy, local corporator Padmavathi Ganghadhar

Gowda, zonal chief Engineer Shiva Prasad and health officer Dr. S.D Nagaraj

accompanied the mayor, release said.59

� The Mayor, P.R Ramesh assured the residents that the work would be completed

within a month. The BMP had taken up the project at a cost of Rs. 3.25 crore. But

the contractors had stopped the work half way through.60

� Corporator of the Ward and former Mayor Ms. Padmavathi Gangadhara Gowda

says that the lake can be saved. The BMP has sanctioned Rs. 60 lakh for

restoration of the lake in the year 2000 and is expected to grant another Rs. 60

lakh next year. 61

� Expressing unhappiness over the delay in works with regard to the lake’s

development, BJP leader Basavaraj alleged that despite sanction of Rs. 3.90 crore

for development of the lake, the work yet to be completed.56

______________________________________________________________________________________

58. http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/poluted.html

59. “BMP Announces Plan to Develop Yediyur Lake”, Deccan Herald, 04-10-2000

60. http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/01/stories/2004070115130300.html

61. “There is Both Method and Madness Here” by T Venkatesh Babu, Deccan Herald, 19-11-2000

Restoration:

� The Cleaning of the lake was started by an NGO Janotsava led by John Devaraj.62

� The Corporator of the ward and former mayor MS.Padmavathi Gangadhara

Gowda, said that Minor Irrigation Minister Kumar Bangarappa had promised

Rs. 15 lakhs from the department for desilting of the tank during the summer of

2000-01. But the work was progressing at a slow pace which was a worrying

factor.

• Desilting: The development of the lake was awarded to Shamaraju

Constructions. As per the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) Act,

the company should have desilted the lake at a depth of 5 metres as part of

the development process, but they have desilted only 1 metre. Despite this,

BJP leader Basavaraj said the BCC had cleared their bill for Rs. 2.65

crore.56

� The lake restoration system, slated for completion in March 2004, is yet to be

completed. The restoration of the lake began in June 2004 at a cost of Rs. 3.25

crore. Taken up in two phase- the 1st phase included desilting of the lake and civic

works like construction of drain water diversion channel, culverts, inlet

arrangements and construction of tank bunds. The second phase of the project

included work on the beautification of the lake.63

� The contractor Shamaraju and company withdrew from the project a month ago

due to non cooperation from some elected representatives and local officials in

implementing the project on time. The BMP had March as the deadline so that the

lake would receive enough water during rains. As a result BMP took up the task

of completing the half done work. BMP chief engineer Rame Gowda said that the

project would be completed at the end of October. Till the new contractor starts

his work the BMP staff would take up the job of deweeding the lake so that the

water is stored during the monsoon.64

� Shyamaraju and company(India),PVT LTds Chairman and MD P.Shyamaraju

said the emptying of the tank bed had been completed and about 1,20,000 cubic

metre of silt had been removed.65

Status: As part of World Environment Day celebrations, in June2007, the BBMP took up

an intensive cleaning programme of Yediyur Lake.

62. “Symbol of Hope is Gone with the Silt”, Deccan Herald, 22-05-2003

63. “Clean Lake a Distant Dream” by Chandrashekar G, BVT, 11-01-2005

64. “Missing the Monsoons; Lake might have to Wait” by P.M Raghunandan, Deccan Herald, 05-07-2004

65. “Restoration Work of Lakes may not be Complete in Time”, Deccan Herald, 02-03-2003

Recommendations

� These are some of the recommendations put forth to rectify the situation of

wetlands in Bangalore:

• Setting up a National committee on wetlands, reclamation, restoration and

development to enable formulation of a National policy on Wetlands and

for their sustainable use. To create a database with regard to their present

status, sustainable use, management and conservation.

• Integration of different government departments for wetland conservation.

Lakes and rivers in each zilla panchayat to be identified and their streams

to be recharged through people’s participation. Setting up of people’s

watchdog teams to prevent dumping of wastes into water bodies.

Preparation of a comprehensive plan to study selected representative

wetlands in a phased manner.

• Mass awareness programme on importance of rivers and wetlands. A

comprehensive plan to study aquatic biodiversity in inland aquatic bodies

and CES to be entrusted to co-ordinate at National and International level.

Ownership and legal status of lakes and inhabitants around it to be

properly defined. Training courses for the public to undertake restoration

works.

• Fishermen socio-economic status to be considered before formulating a

wetland strategy. 66

� Another suggestion of the Government about privatizing the management of the

lakes was opposed by people from various walks of life.

• At a conference "Lakes-2006, environmental education and ecological

conservation" organized by the Energy and Wetlands Group, Centre for

Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science; T.V.

Ramachandra, convener of the symposium, said the move of the State

Government to privatize the management of lakes and tanks in Bangalore

had only spelt the death knell of the few lakes that remain in the city.

• "Lakes and tanks must be looked after by the people and the Government.

Having worked with children and students, and involved them in many

projects that address the conservation needs of water bodies in Bangalore,

I think these water bodies should become the experimental laboratories for

school and college students," he said.

• The motto "develop or perish" had played havoc with the wetlands in the

city and elsewhere, and the connectivity of these water bodies had been

snapped, while on the other hand, they have become the receptacles for

sewage and effluents and other hazardous wastes. 67 __________________________________________________________________________________

66. “Recommendations”, Deccan Herald, 02-02-2001

67. 29-12-2006

Article 51-A (g) of the Indian Constitution proclaims that it is a duty of every citizen

to protect and improve the natural environment including the lakes.

It is necessary to raise awareness among the public about the consequences of heavy

metal pollutants. Most water sources in Bangalore are sewage fed, and immersions of

idols in such water bodies defeat the purpose of festivals and their sanctity. The public is

advised to use clay idols (without any paint) and immerse them in a bucket of water,

which could later be used in gardens. 68

Modern ideas of rainwater harvesting in buildings and parks, applied to residential

extensions may also help a great deal in improving the fresh water inflow into the dried

up tanks and natural reservoirs. 69

The Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna, said on Friday that the Government was ready to

utilize the expertise of the armed forces, which removed water hyacinth from the Ulsoor

Lake, for similar operations in other tanks in Bangalore, which had been polluted by

sewage. 70

A main component of the lake restoration work will involve diverting sewage flows (as

distinct from rainwater) away from the lakes. This will be the only way to keep

freshwater lakes alive and with them the fish, birds, and other creatures which maintain

the ecologic balance and control mosquito breeding. 71

68. URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/29/stories/2006122909590400.htm

69. “City of forsaken lakes”, By K. Chandramouli

70. “Army Helps Lakes:CM” http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/army.htm

71. “Lakes may regain their lost glory”, http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/glory.htm

A Report on Water Bodies in Bangalore

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