Plans afoot to interlink 56 lakes

Project estimated to cost 6,500 cr; funds to be sought from World Bank

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has embarked on an ambitious plan to interlink 56 lakes in the City by connecting them to stormwater drains (SWDs).

The lakes in Dasarahalli, Mahadevapura and Bommanahalli will be considered for the first phase of the project.

City in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy said on Tuesday that the plan was to ensure availability of more drinking water by rejuvenating lakes.

No connectivity

“We have lost connectivity between canals and thereby a crucial link to fill the lakes. With this proposal, we intend to rejuvenate the lakes,” Reddy said after a marathon discussion with the Palike officials.

To begin with, the BBMP will conduct a survey of 856-km long network of stormwater drains in the City to get a clear picture of encroachments and obstacles for the flow of water.

The survey has been completed for a length of 138 km and the exercise is expected to be over in the next six to eight months. After the completion of the survey, the encroachments will be removed at one go.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 6,500 crore, will apparently be a huge burden on the civic agency and the Palike has approached financial institutions for funding. Officials said the World Bank has agreed to provide about $25 million. However, the Union government will have to clear the proposal.

Apart from the World Bank, the Palike will also approach the Union government for funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.