Lakes constitute vital components of the regional hydrological cycle. They are highly productive, support exceptionally large biological diversity, and provide a wide range of ecosystem services such as food, fibre, waste assimilation, water purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, groundwater recharge, microclimate regulation, enhance the aesthetics of the landscape, and support many significant recreational, social and cultural activities, aside from being a part of our cultural heritage. It is acknowledged that most urban wetlands are seriously threatened by conversion to non-wetland purposes, encroachment of drainage through landfilling, pollution (discharge of domestic and industrial effluents, disposal of solid wastes), hydrological alterations (water withdrawal and inflow changes), and over-exploitation of their natural resources. The wetlands provide a low cost way to treat the community’s wastewater, while simultaneously functioning as wild fauna sanctuary, with public access. These ecosystems are valuable for education and scientific endeavors due to rich biodiversity.

Realising the importance of these fragile ecosystems and also civic activism, there are attempts to rejuvenate select lakes in Bangalore. One day workshop is being organised at the Institution of Engineers on 21 Feb 2019 (10 am to 5 pm), to deliberate on (i) the present status of lakes; (ii) valuation of wetlands services, (iii) rejuvenation of lakes, (iv) importance of lakes in urban system, etc. The delegates of this workshop would include academicians, professionals, decision makers, representatives of resident welfare associations, concerned citizens, students, etc.