Rs 16-crore project to breathe life back into Agara lake

The Agara lake in the City is set for a facelift at a total cost of Rs 16.1 crore, with funds from the State government. The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) has been tasked with executing the project.

The development works include beautifying the water body (spread over 100 acres in HSR Layout), creating a pathway around the lake, repairing the existing bund, fencing, desilting and cleaning of the wetland area. Officials from KLCDA said that it was a four-year project and tenders had been floated already.

C K Shivanna, chief executive officer of KLCDA, told Deccan Herald that the works would be undertaken in a phased manner.

“We have already prepared the detailed project report (DPR) and it is approved by the cabinet. The first-year works are estimated to cost around Rs 5.5 crore. The total cost is Rs 16.1 crore. We had proposed to take up the works three years ago, but it has taken shape only now,” Shivanna said.

According to residents, the lake was in a bad state two-and a-half-years ago, with anti-social activities taking place in the vicinity.

“With the support of the lake development authority and the citizens, the lake was improved. Currently, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is undertaking the work of setting up the underground sewage system.We are happy about the development works,” said Kavitha Reddy, member of Agara Lake Forum.

The forum members said that there are five stormwater drain (SWD) points, yet the sewage water does not enter the water body. “In the DPR, it is mentioned that there is no need for a sewage treatment plant (STP),” Reddy said.

The lake development authority said that along with Agara lake, Madiwala lake will also be upgraded and there are plans to set up a bio-diversity park at the water body.

Assistant Engineer Honnaiah, during the lake festival held recently at Madiwala, had said that the project would cost Rs 21 crore and will be executed by the State government. He said that there are plans to introduce boating and also set up an Sewage Treatment Plant at Madiwala lake.