BBMP completes key restoration works at Kaggadasapura Lake

Bengaluru: Kaggadasapura Lake in CV Raman Nagar, once overrun with weeds and hyacinth, is undergoing a significant transformation.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has completed key restoration tasks, including desilting, constructing stone embankments, and installing inlets.

Officials aim to complete the remaining work, including the construction of a kalyani, within three months.

On Friday, CV Raman Nagar MLA S Raghu inspected the site along with engineers and emphasised the need to complete restoration before the monsoon. “The work is progressing at a stellar pace,” he remarked in a social media post.

Second phase underway

The second phase of the project includes building a walkway and fencing the lake.

Officials noted that the construction of the kalyani will mark the final phase of the three-year-long initiative. Additionally, 110 streetlights have been installed at Kaggadasapura Lake, while Byrasandra Lake, which was also rejuvenated, has been equipped with 70 streetlights.

Return of birdlife

Wildlife photographer Sujit Nair has observed a resurgence of birdlife at Kaggadasapura Lake.

“Since the lake was desilted, I’ve captured painted storks and oriental darters in large numbers. With fresh water and a good fish population, I expect pelicans to arrive soon,” he said.

Nair expressed hope that sewage inflow would cease permanently and that the sewage treatment plant (STP) would become fully operational by June.

His documentation shows a decline in bird species over the past three years due to the lake's poor condition, but restoration efforts have already reversed the trend.

Adjacent waterbodies

Meanwhile, a BBMP engineer revealed that Byrasandra Melina Kere, currently under the custody of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), remains neglected.

“We have written to the DRDO seeking custody of the lake,” the engineer stated.

Byrasandra Lake, located between Byrasandra Melina Kere and Kaggadasapura Lake, has already been rejuvenated by the civic body.