In a significant step towards water sustainability, eight lakes within the Bengaluru South City Corporation limits are set to be replenished with treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) starting next month.
STP project to recharge groundwater in key areas
The initiative, led by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board, aims to improve groundwater levels across Konanakunte, Chunchaghatta, Bandepalya, Pillaganahalli and nearby areas. Officials believe the move will help sustain borewells, especially during peak summer months.
Engineers confirmed that pipelines ranging from 6 to 8 inches are being laid to connect multiple STPs to lakes including Chunchaghatta, Ganapathipura, Konanakunte, Kodichikkanahalli, Gottigere, Kammanahalli, Mangammanapalya and Somasundarapalya.
Majority of lakes developed, more in pipeline
Officials noted that there are 59 living lakes under the corporation’s jurisdiction. Of these, 43 have been fully developed, nine partially developed, and six are yet to be taken up. These remaining lakes will be developed in phases.
Authorities emphasised that maintaining water levels in lakes is crucial for groundwater recharge and long-term urban water security.
Key infrastructure projects nearing completion
A 5-million-litre-per-day STP at Sarakki Layout will soon supply treated water to Chunchaghatta, Ganapathipura and Konanakunte lakes. The pipeline project, costing ₹1.9 crore, is currently under trial runs with daily monitoring.
Similarly, Kodichikkanahalli Lake will receive treated water from the Chikkabegur STP, with an investment of around ₹50 lakh. Officials stated that water pumping is expected to begin within a week.
For Gottigere and Kammanahalli lakes, water will be sourced from the 10 MLD STP at Hulimavu, with pipeline work costing ₹1 crore and nearing completion.
Sustainable solution for Bengaluru’s water challenges
Efforts are also underway to channel treated water from the Agara STP in HSR Layout to Mangammanapalya and Somasundarapalya lakes. Officials confirmed that the year-long project will be fully operational within a month.
Experts have reassured that the treated water will not harm aquatic ecosystems and will instead play a crucial role in reviving lakes and recharging hundreds of borewells in surrounding areas.
The initiative reflects Bengaluru’s growing focus on sustainable water management and reuse practices, addressing recurring water shortages while preserving vital urban ecosystems.