Bengaluru’s Lake Restoration Efforts Criticized for Ineffective Design

Efforts to rejuvenate Bengaluru’s lakes are falling short due to ineffective restoration designs, impacting the lakes’ socio-ecological systems.

Key Points:

• Restoration Design Issues: Current restoration practices often employ a “soup bowl” design, featuring steep walls and uniform depth, which undermines the ecological benefits of lakes. This design fails to support diverse plant and bird life, reducing overall biodiversity.
• Holistic Approach Needed: Experts stress the importance of understanding lake ecosystems and connected water systems. Proper restoration should consider interconnected lakes and rajakaluves (canals) and avoid merely creating water retention structures.
• Successful Example: Puttenahalli Lake stands out as a successful restoration case, with varied depths and natural features that support birdlife and other species.
• Recommendations: Experts advocate for a design that mimics natural water bodies, addresses sewage issues, and integrates proper waste management systems. Sandeep Anirudhan suggests lakes should be designed like check dams, while Chandrashekar N P emphasizes the need for sewage diversion and appropriate catchment management.

Read More:

Bengaluru to Explore 40 Lakes as Future Drinking Water Sources Amid Crisis

Eagle’s Nest Lake Restored: A Triumph of Environmental Collaboration