Panathur Lake to get a fresh lease of life soon

It looks like the Panathur Lake will get a fresh lease of life, as the civic body has taken up the rejuvenation work of the waterbody.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is currently carrying out the desilting work in the 23-acre lake near Kadubeesanahalli.

Separate sewage lines have been laid out and the existing sewage inflow into the lake is being diverted through the lines. “The desilted waste will be utilised to produce organic manure,” said Aravind Limbavali, local MLA.

“Over Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned for the rejuvenation of the lake. The lake is contaminated by sewage inflow from the surrounding apartments and houses. The size of the lake is too small when compared to other polluted lakes in Mahadevapura. The Panathur Lake is an upper riparian lake to Bellandur, Varthur lakes and gets water from the Bellandur Lake. It is severely polluted by sewage and other waste,” said Limbavali.

The lake bund will be created and a walking stretch will be built along the border of the lake. “A children’s park will come up on the lake premises. Also, a tank to immerse idols will also be built,” added Limbavali.

However, the waterbody is encroached upon by various private properties. The Palike officials said they would take the necessary measures to clear it.

Ramprasad, convenor of Friends of Lakes, an NGO working in the field of lakes rejuvenation, said no urban lake is free from sewage.

“The rejuvenation of lakes in urban areas cannot be compared to those in rural areas. Here, rejuvenation only means freeing the lake from sewage and desilting it. But if the lakes are rejuvenated without regularising the existing encroachments, the work will turn futile,” he said.

Ramprasad also said the minor irrigation department and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) should set the parameters for lake water considering heavy metal content as well.

“Once the lake is desilted, the fauna and flora be back in a few years. The civic body should rejuvenate the lakes with an objective of their long-term survival,” he added.