In late July I heard from birding friends that mighty engines of destruction-bulldozers, tractors and excavators had entered Hebbal lake, that this pristine lake, the winter home of spectacular waterfowl from as far away as Siberia, and the permanent home of many attractive waders - plovers, sandpipers, lapwings, blackwinged stilts, as well as kingfishers was doomed.

Enquiries from the Lake Development Authorities and other sources revealed that the culprits were the Oberois. Their Agreement signed with the LDA included the building of a floating restaurant which would have effectively stopped the birds from seeking their hospitality. In protest I wrote the article which appeared in Deccan Herald on 7th August under the title "Secrecy shrouds the Hebbal Lake.    Hebbal Lake

Having had some contacts with their Directors in the past, I was planning to send the article to their Chairman Biki Oberoi, but I found to my surprise that this alert Director of Communications, Ketaki Narain had already done the needful. What was even more pleasing was that she came over with a message from the Chairman that the Oberois were not interested in making a profit from the lake, but were genuinely interested in playing their part in restoring a water body which was of great importance for north Bangalore.

During my first meeting with Ketaki I said that if the Oberois were serious about going along with nature and not against it, then she should immediately write to the LDA that the plans for the floating restaurant is abandoned. This was instantly done and I needed no further proof of their reliability.

Last week, I went with the consultant to have a close look at what is being done, and this what I now feel. In my earlier article I referred to some soul stirring sights of thousands of waterfowl on the shimmering waters of the lake. Having lived next to a Lake (Dodda-Gubbi) from 1974 to 1989 I know what a thrill it is to wander round a seasonal tank and see its moods and fauna throughout the year.

Walking round Hebbal Tank now makes such a vision unthinkable as urbanisation has exceeded all limits, and what the Oberois now intend to do incorporating the suggestions made by birders could still make it a lovely ecosystem for avians and humans alike. What will the lake look like when it is done:

1. It will be a lake with a water spread of 150 acres with a permanent depth of 3 to 5 feet
2. The three existing well vegetated islands in the centre will remain, and the level of the water here will reach the roots of the trees.
3. There will be no boating or any disturbance in the water. One coracle will be maintained at the landing for emergency and for cleaning the lake and such like operations.
4. There will be a 3 km jogging track round the circumference bordered by native species of trees.
5. A Visitor Centre with emphasis on education about the local flora/fauna will be set up on the southern side facing the highway.
6. There will be a nominal entrance fee of perhaps a rupee.

I am advocating this partnership with the Oberois because I feel that the main need today for the survival of a natural area is protection. The AT Ramaswamy Panel on land encroachment confirms that 2139 acres have been encroached from the Forest Department, who in turn admitting this put the blame on their inadequate man power.

This morning I saw some examples of stone and rubble unloaded inside the Hebbal periphery prior to the Oberois having established their security. We all know the surreptitious speed with which land encroachers operate. Give credit to the Oberois for protecting the area.

It is reasonable to argue, as many conservationists do, that it is the law of the land which should protect our ecologically sensitive areas - it should not be left to birdwatchers and private business houses save them. True, in principle, and yet when we look around us, our hearts sink. Yesterday’s paper quoted a famous Supreme Court Judge who described "our laws Delays" - anything up to 50 years to settle a case. Even if it took only 5 years, with the lawlessness prevailing Hebbal lake could become just a memory.

In the project report there is a reference to the catchment area of 2393 hectares for Hebbal. The word catchment evokes memories of montane forests which are supposed to slow down the runoff during the rains and ensure the conservation of water for use in the dry season. But here we speak of the urban catchment which refers to the waste water flowing out of our bathrooms and kitchens and gardens, and channelled through the sewage drains to lower locations.

The storm water and sewage arriving at Hebbal will pass through a silt trap and an effluent treatment plant and the quality though not potable could be used for secondary purposes. The surplus water here will be re-introduced into the drains for movement downstream. All told, the project as now refashioned by the Oberois on the lines suggested by the Birders should be a credit to Bangalore - or am I speaking too early?