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Bangalore Oct. 11. Bangalore's natural beauty comes largely from its many water bodies. Many have vanished, thanks to "urban development" and wanton encroachments.
While something has been done to rejuvenate Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Tank, and others recently, there is one lake with its fate hanging in the balance. The Bennigenahalli Lake was in an unenviable position with a multi-directional flyover actually planned to pass over it. The lake was already fragmented by railway tracks into three. The Bangalore Development Authority is now taking steps to integrate the flyover project with the lake, making them complement each other. The lake is spread over 46 acres with a shoreline of 1,250 metres. Owing to silting over the years, the average depth was barely 1.5 metres earlier. Along with the flyover project (now partly completed), de-silting has been carried out. Located in the north-eastern extremity of Bangalore, the lake receives water from four major stormwater drains at NGEF, Kasturinagar, Vijanapura, and Outer Ring Road. The original catchment area of about 1.2 sq. km. has been urbanised now with some industries and housing colonies coming up there. Over the years, a lot of sewage and other sediment have been flowing into the lake, badly affecting its water quality.
In order to give the lake a thorough facelift, a sediment analysis was taken up. This revealed issues which had to be tackled such as diverting the flow of domestic and industrial sewage from the lake, preventing debris from getting into the water, and stopping people from using the lake shores as a public convenience. Along with de-silting, the lake embankment is being strengthened and proper floodwater disposal is being planned. The shoreline is to be turned into a park and jogging track so that it can be kept clean in future. After removing all encroachments, a chain-link fence may be build around it to prevent people from throwing rubbish into the water. The natural drains, which lead rainwater into the lake, are also being cleaned to improve water quality.
Providing recreational facilities around the lake is expected to create a suitable community space for the neighbourhood. The residents will be involved in keeping the lake and its surroundings clean and free of encroachments. If all goes well, the lake will not only add beauty to the city but will also have the distinction of being the first in the country supporting a major flyover.
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