JOIN USThe Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has revived the Kalkere lake near Ramamurthy Nagar in the city.
The civic body had undertaken the rejuvenation project about two years ago as the lake was completely polluted with sewage water entering into it from places such as Horamavu, Kalkere, Hebbal and Nagawara.
In order to prevent this, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) near Horamavu region. Now, about 2 crore litres of treated water is being released from the STP into the lake.
The civic body has also removed silt from the lake and planted saplings that absorb nitrates and phosphates.
A provision for boating will also be made for tourists to go around the lake. Along with this, a pathway of 6.75 km has been laid for walkers. The lake has been completely fenced.
A separate provision has also been made for people to immerse idols during the Ganesha festival.
Apart from this, the lake has also become a habitat for birds and different variety of birds can be seen here.
"Earlier, the place used to stink with sewage water and it was difficult for us to live. Mosquito-related diseases were also prevalent here. The lake has been completely revived now. This should be done in other places also," said Ramesh, who goes for a walk every day.
About 12,000 saplings including honge, neem, and banyan tree have been planted in the western and southern parts of the lake. The Palike is also planning to plant 3,000 more saplings.
Jagannatha Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP Lakes, said: "We have written to Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to begin boating facilities at both the Kalkere and Kempambudhi lakes. We have not received any response yet. Once we get their response, we will place the request before the council."
DH News Service