Waterbody to come alive with biodiversity park

Work on creating the city’s first biodiversity park at Madiwala lake is on track as 70% of the territorial work has been completed. Desilting of the lake and setting up a sewage treatment plant (STP) are the only pending works.

Based on the recommendation of the Knowledge Commission, Prof C R Babu of Delhi University is creating the Madiwala biodiversity park on the lines of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Delhi. The work began in September 2016.

“Nearly 70% of the territorial work of the park is completed. The idea is to bring back flora and fauna to the concrete jungle, reduce air pollution and recharge groundwater. We are trying to create a mini-forest on the lines of Bannerghatta here,” Prof Babu told DH during his visit to the lake on Tuesday.

The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) is helping in reviving the water body and creating the bio-diversity park.

The park includes a lake, water catchment area, butterfly park, five-km walkway, birding area, orchidarium, cycad grooves, recreation park, herbal garden, polyhouse, amphi-theatre and interpretation centre.

A core forest patch with native tree species and a swamp forest are also being created to help recharge groundwater and prevent flooding. The lake is spread across 200 acres and the plantations around it are spread across 30 acres.

“The work is progressing smoothly. The challenge, however, is timely completion of STP. There is also a need to stop boating and fishing in the lake. I have suggested that small canoes be used instead of motorboats. These boats should not operate close to the island to avoid disturbing the bird habitat,” Babu said.

G Vidyasagar, KLCDA chief executive officer, said talks with BWSSB were underway. An agreement will be signed this week to issue orders for starting work on a four-MLD (million litres per day) STP. BWSSB has promised to complete the work within a year.

“We are also working towards fencing the lake so that people do not encroach and litter the place. To ensure that it is maintained well in future, we are planning to form a society comprising residents, scientists and bureaucrats. They will be given the responsibility to protect the lake and manage its affairs,” Vidya­sagar said.