Hosakerehalli Lake set to be a rainwater reservoir

Nearly after three decades, the historic Hosakerehalli Lake in South Bengaluru is all set to return to its former green glory.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has taken up the task of giving the lake the much-needed facelift. This includes the fencing of the area, building a walkway, diverting the sewage away from the lake and the maintenance of the park.

Though the lake was rejuvenated two years ago, sheer negligence from the civic body ruined it within months. Now, the lake has become a dumping yard for garbage and demolition debris. A nasty stink engulfs the area. The water level in the lake was expected to cross the danger level during the rainy season. However, the BDA took up the rejuvenation work last month, which now is in full swing, and things are looking up.

Trash dumping stopped

“We have taken up the fencing work and have checked the dumping of garbage and debris. The work is expected to be completed by July. The waterbody will be transformed into a natural rainwater reservoir. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) has also completed the pipe laying work to divert the sewage. The lake will be developed similar to the Kempambudhi Lake,” a senior BDA official on the spot told DH.

According to Gopalkrishna, Executive Engineer, BDA, Rs 9.40 crore was sanctioned for the rejuvenation project. “Encroachments around the lake have been cleared and marking of the lake area is done to further avoid it. For now, the construction of the walkway around the lake is in progress. The channel bringing sewage has been diverted and the outlet that takes excess water has also been cleared. We are aiming to finish the work by the coming rainy season so that the lake can store rainwater,” he said.