RWA to join hands with Palike to rejuvenate Halasur Lake

Move aimed at replenishing the landmark water body

Halasur Lake Residents’ Welfare Association (HRWA) will join hands with Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and United Way Bangalore, a non-profit organisation to revive Halasur Lake.The landmark water body is marred by various problems such as lack of proper pathway and filth.The construction of a swimming pool nearby has also come to an abrupt halt.

The members of the Association will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Palike and United Way this month and take up the activities jointly to restore the lake.

V Purushotham, President, HRWA, said: “Our main objective is to restore the lake to its grandeur immediately. Hence, we have decided to tie up with the civic agency and the non-profit organisation for the effective improvement of the place. We have roped in a contractor who can execute the project successfully.”

Besides the lake maintenance, the association will also chalk out plans to construct a children‘s park, badminton court, weather-proof chairs, amphitheatre, drip irrigation and other facilities, near the lake.

Sources, said most of the proposed projects will be financially supported by private companies and the Palike will just fine-tune the project.

But the members of the Association said that they would need at least Rs 30 lakh per year for the maintenance of the lake and would approach the Palike for the monetary assistance.

Chief Conservator of Forest and Lakes, BBMP, Brijesh Kumar said: “We have tried our best to stop sewage water coming into the lake. The civic body has enough financial resources, but has certain limitations. It becomes difficult, at times, to keep an eye over the lake all the time. The decision of the HRWA is good and we will extend all kinds of support which they need from our end.” 
 
Lax security

The water body has lax security. Currently there are around four security personnel, but sometimes only two are present and they hardly patrol the lake. The HRWA will  also tackle this issue.

The BBMP recently started desilting, deweeding and cleaning of the sediment in the tank bed area spread over six acres and 30 guntas.

It will take up construction of a bridge for walkers and gravel pathway soon.  The entire project is estimated to cost around Rs 1.11 crore, a Palike official said.