Lakes of Bengaluru: Experts point to flaws in rejuvenation plan of Subbarayanakere Lake

BBMP records show that the lake is being restored at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

A lake activist, Raghavendra B Pachhapur, said: “The BBMP needs to be transparent with DPRs and works undertaken in lakes. They need to place the documents related to lake rejuvenation in the public domain. I had to obtain the basic concept plan of the restoration of Subbarayanakere Lake through RTI.”

As per the concept plan, the BBMP will fence off the waterbody along with constructing a walkway around the lake, toilets, and a security room.

Pachhapur further said, “The lake is naturally placed on a lower terrain and has the potential to collect rainwater from adjacent areas, but the DPR does not show any such provision.”

Last year in June, the rejuvenation was questioned by experts after a portion of the bund at Subbarayanakere Lake sank.

“It came as a surprise to me, when I noticed seepage from the bund region across a stretch during June 2022 and highlighted it,” Pachhapur said.

He also pointed out that the BBMP has destroyed trees while carrying out restoration at Subbrayanakere and Konanakunte lakes.

“While rains have begun and more rains are expected in the days to come, I was shocked to notice that drains meant to collect rainwater have not been constructed. We have seen part of the bund collapse last year due to seepage and more can be expected if they do not route the rainwater,” he added.

Recently, plastic bottles were seen in the lake bed. Pachhapur also questioned the ‘soup-bowl’ design which is often adopted by the BBMP to restore the lakes in Bengaluru.

“Inlets do not have a mechanism to stop floating plastic items. After a few showers last week, we noticed plastic items entering the lakebed. Soup-bowl/deep-water lakes do not support diverse bird species,” he said.

Local resident Raghu Prasad said, “Prior to the beginning of the restoration, we have seen fish dying in the lake. Probably, due to the contamination of the lake water. Apart from the foul smell emanating from the lake, the waterbody became a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Hope the BBMP restores the lake soon.”