With the toil of residents, Yelahanka lake turns over a new leaf

The Yelahanka lake has literally turned over a new leaf. Residents have taken it upon themselves to green the lake’s periphery as part of efforts to revive it.  

On Saturday, more than 300 volunteers planted about a thousand saplings around the lake sprawling across 297 acres.

The greening drive was organised by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in association with United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe), a non-profit organisation. It was held as part of UWBe’s ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign that focuses on reviving dying lakes in the City and restoring their beauty.

BBMP chief conservator of forests, Brijesh Kumar, and eminent environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka were among those present. Thimmakka, known for planting 284 banyan trees in the City, called upon those present to participate in more such green causes.

Encroachments

Yelahanka lake is barren, with only some portions filled with water. It has been subjected to encroachments as have many other lakes.

B V Satish, chief engineer, BBMP (lakes), told Deccan Herald: “Around 15 buildings had encroached upon eight acres of the lake bed. Around six months ago, we demolished them all. The encroached land was worth Rs 20 crore. There is no greenery in the lake and thus, saplings were planted. We want to plant another 1,000 saplings in the coming days.”  

Sabu Thomas, chairman of UWBe, said, “We have been successful in reviving Kaikondanahalli lake on Sarjapur Road and Uttarahalli lake by entering into an agreement with the Palike and the residents’ welfare associations (RWAs).

“We will soon sign an agreement with the Halasuru RWA and the Palike to beautify the Halasuru lake.”