Lakes of Bengaluru: Restored in 2014, the Herohalli Lake still reeks of lack of maintenance

It is part of the Madavara lake series which includes lakes such as Laxmipura, Chikkabanavara, Dasarahalli, Doddabidarakallu, Narasappanakere, Hosakere, Nallakadarenahalli and Shivapura. (Express Photo by Jithendra M.)

A 1.5 MLD Soil Biotechnology (SBT) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is installed in the lake and the waterbody has no constructed wetlands. There are four inlet points in the lake which carry a mix of sewage and rainwater to the waterbody.

However, despite the restoration, Sanjay T, a resident who lives in the vicinity of the lake, says the waterbody is not maintained by the BBMP. “The water quality is bad with a lot of plastic waste floating on the sides of the lake. Birds like herons, cormorants, pelicans, painted storks, spot billed ducks among others are seen at the lake. There are enough trees around the lake but the waterbody itself is not maintained at all,” he says.

There are enough trees around the lake but the waterbody itself is not maintained at all, says a resident who lives in the vicinity of the lake. (Express Photo by Jithendra M.)

There are four inlet points in the lake which carry a mix of sewage and rainwater to the waterbody. (Express Photo by Jithendra M.)

According to the water quality index report by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) published in October, Herohalli lake falls in Class D which means that the water is not fit for drinking purposes.

Another resident, Dhiraj S, says, “Though the civic body restored the lake a few years ago, today it lies in a pathetic state. During the rains, the stench emanating from the lake is unbearable and the area becomes inaccessible as the water remains stagnant at the gate.”

Satya Sarada, another resident, says that the only attraction of the lake is the walking path around it. “The lake has turned into a sewage dumping ground and a breeding ground for strays. There is zero maintenance of the lake. The water quality is also poor.”

According to the water quality index report by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) published in October, Herohalli lake falls in Class D which means that the water is not fit for drinking purposes. (Express Photo by Jithendra M.)

A BBMP official from the Lakes department says, “With great difficulty the lake was restored in 2014. Our construction materials were stolen from the lake. Then construction debris was dumped by miscreants and the entry gate was destroyed. We had to take the help of local police to restore the lake. We have received complaints from the local residents that the lake requires maintenance but we are waiting for the funds from the government to restore the waterbody.”