Bengaluru: The historic Kempambudhi Lake in Gavipuram, near Chamarajpet, is set to get a dedicated immersion facility ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. The lake, built by Kempe Gowda I in honour of his family deity Kempamma, had been facing pollution threats due to the absence of a proper site for idol immersion and ritual-related activities.
Immersion tank to curb pollution
Spread over 47 acres, Kempambudhi Lake was once a lifeline for old Bengaluru, serving as a key source of potable water. After being revived just a year ago following heavy weed choking, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) decided to construct an immersion tank (kalyani) to protect the main waterbody during festival seasons.
A BBMP official said, “The immersion pond will help protect the main waterbody from pollution.” The construction work, which spanned over three months, was expedited to accommodate devotees expected to flock to the lake for Ganesh idol immersions.
Residents’ reactions
While some locals have welcomed the facility, others questioned its long-term utility. Advish, a resident near the lake, remarked, “The tank will be of no use beyond the festival season. Do the authorities have a plan to make use of the tank after that?”
Another resident urged BBMP to prioritise the protection of other historic sites around the lake, including the iconic Kempegowda Tower, emphasizing the need for broader conservation measures.
Conclusion
The construction of the immersion tank at Kempambudhi Lake marks a step towards environmentally responsible festival practices, ensuring that ritual activities do not harm Bengaluru’s historic waterbodies. Experts and citizens, however, hope that authorities will integrate such initiatives into a long-term preservation strategy for the lake and surrounding heritage sites.