A recent study conducted by a city-based NGO sheds light on the concerning prevalence of trees and shrubs, particularly invasive species, covering nearly half of the lake area in Bengaluru. The assessment aimed to evaluate the repercussions of planting invasive species on lakes in Bengaluru Urban and its surrounding districts.
Findings indicate that 49% of lake areas in Bengaluru Urban and 57% in Anekal Taluk are engulfed by vegetation. Additionally, over 40% of lake areas in Bengaluru Rural comprise tree and shrub cover. While trees on lake peripheries play vital roles in ecosystem maintenance, planting invasive and exotic species directly on lake beds poses significant challenges.
The study highlights that such misplacement transforms lakes into woodlands, disrupting their ecological and hydrological functions. While trees around lake peripheries help maintain ecosystem health by filtering pollutants, stabilizing soils, and providing wildlife habitat, planting on lake beds alters these dynamics.
Moreover, around 47% of the Hesaraghatta catchment’s lake area has been affected by plantation activities. In Chikkaballapura, Kolar, and Tumkuru, tree and shrub cover ranges from 35% to 38%, significantly impacting water storage, quality, and aquatic biodiversity.
The presence of invasive species contributes to elevated nutrient levels in water, leading to algae overgrowth and oxygen depletion, jeopardizing aquatic life. Chemical substances produced by invasive plants further degrade water quality.
Experts advocate for discouraging further tree planting on lake beds and removing non-native large trees like eucalyptus and silver oak. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are deemed crucial to rectify past planting practices and control invasive species effectively.
