Residents' efforts raise hopes for Vibhutipura lake

Residents of various localities on the periphery of Vibhutipura lake took part in ‘Run4Lake-5k’ initiative on Sunday, to raise awareness about the dying water body, near HAL airport.

Organised by VIKAS (Vibhutipura Kere Abhivruddhi Mattu Samrakshane Samiti) - a residents’ body - the programme saw the participation of around 500 people, including schoolchildren, from LBS Nagar, Vignan Nagar, Vibhutipura, Annasandra Palya, Basavanagar and nearby areas.

The second edition of ‘Run4Lake-5k’ supported by India@75 movement - apart from creating awareness on lakes - aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to expedite restoration work of the dilapidated water body.

VIKAS members said the lake lacked outer and inner fencing and faced issues like garbage dumping and sewage contamination. They said the sewage diversion pipeline project that was once abandoned had been restarted by BBMP, but the work remained incomplete.

“The biggest problem facing the lake is the flow of sewage water into it. Many officials have visited the lake and promised to find a solution to the problems of the lake, but nothing has materialised,” said Mallikarjun Hanji, a resident of Vibhutipura.

Venkateshwara Rao L, a core member of the team, said the lake was cleaned by BDA in 2014 and never thereafter.

“Due to hyacinth growth, the lake is loosing its capacity for water percolation. We are not clear on who the custodian of the lake is. It is said BDA has handed over the lake to BBMP. We are yet to get confirmation on this,” he said. 

Next on the anvil by VIKAS members is a plantation drive around the lake, which they plan to undertake during monsoon.

Speaking on the occasion, corporator S G Nagaraj of ward 81 (Vijnana Nagar) said the weeding process would be undertaken before the onset of monsoon and funds would be released for the maintenance of the walking track and lighting arrangements. 

Lake conservationist S Vishwanath emphasised the need for pressuring the authorities to set up decentralised sewage treatment plants to treat every drop of sewage in the city. He said resident initiatives such as VIKAS were key in saving the dying lakes.