Bengaluru Lakes Rejuvenation Drive Launched
Posted On July 11, 2025
Bengaluru, once famously known as the "City of a Thousand Lakes" and the "Garden City," is in the midst of an intensified and urgent lake rejuvenation drive. This renewed push by the Karnataka government, local civic bodies like the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and a growing number of citizen groups and NGOs, comes at a critical juncture. Following a particularly dry pre-monsoon season in early 2025 where many of the city's remaining lakes completely dried up, the imperative to restore these vital water bodies has become more pressing than ever, transforming them from mere recreational spots into crucial assets for water security and ecological balance.
For decades, Bengaluru's rapid and often unplanned urbanization led to the severe degradation, encroachment, and pollution of its once interconnected lake systems. What were historically critical components of the city's hydrological cycle, designed to capture monsoon runoff and recharge groundwater, became receptacles for untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Lakes like Bellandur and Varthur gained notoriety for frothing toxic foam and even catching fire, symbolic of the ecological disaster unfolding in the "Silicon Valley of India." While intermittent rejuvenation efforts have been undertaken over the years, the current drive reflects a heightened sense of urgency and a more concerted, though still challenging, approach.
The renewed rejuvenation drive focuses on a multi-pronged strategy to bring these dying lakes back to life. Key components include-
Desilting and Dredging- The accumulated silt, garbage, and construction debris at the lakebeds significantly reduce their water-holding capacity. Extensive desilting operations are underway to deepen the lakes, thereby increasing their storage volume and facilitating groundwater recharge. For instance, in June 2025, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) confirmed government approval of ₹80 crore to resume desilting work on Bellandur Lake, highlighting the ongoing effort for even the largest and most challenging water bodies.
Diversion and Treatment of Sewage- This is arguably the most critical aspect. Untreated sewage inflow is the primary cause of pollution in Bengaluru's lakes, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion that kills aquatic life. The rejuvenation plans involve constructing and upgrading Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and laying interceptor drains around the lake periphery to divert sewage away from the water bodies, ensuring that only treated water flows into them.
Restoration of Inlet and Outlet Channels (Rajakaluves)- Bengaluru's historical lake system was a cascade, where lakes were interconnected by an intricate network of channels (rajakaluves). Many of these have been encroached upon or blocked, disrupting the natural flow of water and contributing to both lake depletion and urban flooding. The drive includes clearing these channels to restore the hydrological connectivity between lakes.
Creation of Wetlands and Green Buffers- Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants before water enters the main lake body. Rejuvenation efforts include creating constructed wetlands at lake inlets and planting native vegetation around the lake peripheries. These green buffers help filter runoff, control erosion, provide habitats for biodiversity, and enhance the overall ecological health of the lake ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Ownership- Increasingly, the success of lake rejuvenation projects is recognized to hinge on active citizen participation. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local communities, often in collaboration with NGOs like United Way Bengaluru, are playing a vital role in monitoring lakes, organizing cleaning drives, raising awareness, and ensuring long-term maintenance. Projects like Puttenahalli Lake stand as testaments to the power of community involvement.
The urgency of this drive became acutely evident in early 2025. By April 2025, a startling 53 out of 202 lakes under BBMP jurisdiction had completely dried up, with overall water storage capacity in the remaining lakes plummeting to just 35%. This dire situation directly impacted groundwater levels, leading to widespread borewell failures across the city and exacerbating Bengaluru's perennial water crisis. The BBMP, with funds from the National Flood Mitigation Fund, has earmarked significant amounts (e.g., ₹75 crore for 10 city lakes, including Chikkabellandur Lake with a ₹10 crore plan) for immediate rejuvenation works ahead of the monsoon season.
However, the Bengaluru lake rejuvenation drive faces considerable challenges-
Encroachment- Large-scale encroachments on lake beds and feeder channels by land sharks and developers remain a persistent problem, making full restoration difficult.
Sewage Diversion Efficacy- Despite STPs, ensuring that all untreated sewage is diverted from the lakes, especially from informal settlements and rapidly growing peripheral areas, is a continuous battle.
Multiplicity of Authorities- The involvement of numerous government bodies (BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, Minor Irrigation Department, Forest Department, etc.) often leads to fragmented efforts, lack of coordination, and bureaucratic delays.
Funding and Maintenance- While funds are allocated for rejuvenation, consistent funding for long-term maintenance and protection against re-pollution remains a concern.
Scientific Approach vs. Beautification- There's a debate on if projects prioritize true ecological restoration (desilting, sewage diversion, wetland creation) over superficial beautification (walkways, fencing) that may not address core issues. Some "rejuvenation" efforts have even faced criticism for poorly built infrastructure or neglecting biodiversity.
Despite these hurdles, the ongoing efforts are crucial for Bengaluru's environmental and water future. Rejuvenated lakes directly contribute to-
Groundwater Recharge- By holding monsoon rainwater, lakes significantly replenish the city's depleting groundwater aquifers, a critical source of water for borewells and domestic use.
Flood Mitigation- A healthy, interconnected lake system acts as a natural sponge and flood buffer, absorbing excess rainwater and preventing urban flooding during heavy downpours.
Biodiversity Revival- Restored lakes create vital urban ecosystems, attracting migratory birds, supporting aquatic life, and increasing local biodiversity.
Temperature Regulation- Green spaces and water bodies help mitigate the urban heat island effect, contributing to a cooler microclimate.
Public Green Spaces- The development of promenades, parks, and walking tracks around rejuvenated lakes provides essential recreational spaces for citizens, enhancing urban livability.
The large-scale lake rejuvenation drive in Bengaluru is more than just an environmental project; it is a critical investment in the city's future resilience, public health, and ecological sustainability. As the monsoon season approaches, the success of these ongoing efforts will be keenly watched, determining how effectively Bengaluru can reclaim its heritage as the "City of Lakes" and secure its water future amidst the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate
For decades, Bengaluru's rapid and often unplanned urbanization led to the severe degradation, encroachment, and pollution of its once interconnected lake systems. What were historically critical components of the city's hydrological cycle, designed to capture monsoon runoff and recharge groundwater, became receptacles for untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Lakes like Bellandur and Varthur gained notoriety for frothing toxic foam and even catching fire, symbolic of the ecological disaster unfolding in the "Silicon Valley of India." While intermittent rejuvenation efforts have been undertaken over the years, the current drive reflects a heightened sense of urgency and a more concerted, though still challenging, approach.
The renewed rejuvenation drive focuses on a multi-pronged strategy to bring these dying lakes back to life. Key components include-
Desilting and Dredging- The accumulated silt, garbage, and construction debris at the lakebeds significantly reduce their water-holding capacity. Extensive desilting operations are underway to deepen the lakes, thereby increasing their storage volume and facilitating groundwater recharge. For instance, in June 2025, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) confirmed government approval of ₹80 crore to resume desilting work on Bellandur Lake, highlighting the ongoing effort for even the largest and most challenging water bodies.
Diversion and Treatment of Sewage- This is arguably the most critical aspect. Untreated sewage inflow is the primary cause of pollution in Bengaluru's lakes, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion that kills aquatic life. The rejuvenation plans involve constructing and upgrading Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and laying interceptor drains around the lake periphery to divert sewage away from the water bodies, ensuring that only treated water flows into them.
Restoration of Inlet and Outlet Channels (Rajakaluves)- Bengaluru's historical lake system was a cascade, where lakes were interconnected by an intricate network of channels (rajakaluves). Many of these have been encroached upon or blocked, disrupting the natural flow of water and contributing to both lake depletion and urban flooding. The drive includes clearing these channels to restore the hydrological connectivity between lakes.
Creation of Wetlands and Green Buffers- Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants before water enters the main lake body. Rejuvenation efforts include creating constructed wetlands at lake inlets and planting native vegetation around the lake peripheries. These green buffers help filter runoff, control erosion, provide habitats for biodiversity, and enhance the overall ecological health of the lake ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Ownership- Increasingly, the success of lake rejuvenation projects is recognized to hinge on active citizen participation. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local communities, often in collaboration with NGOs like United Way Bengaluru, are playing a vital role in monitoring lakes, organizing cleaning drives, raising awareness, and ensuring long-term maintenance. Projects like Puttenahalli Lake stand as testaments to the power of community involvement.
The urgency of this drive became acutely evident in early 2025. By April 2025, a startling 53 out of 202 lakes under BBMP jurisdiction had completely dried up, with overall water storage capacity in the remaining lakes plummeting to just 35%. This dire situation directly impacted groundwater levels, leading to widespread borewell failures across the city and exacerbating Bengaluru's perennial water crisis. The BBMP, with funds from the National Flood Mitigation Fund, has earmarked significant amounts (e.g., ₹75 crore for 10 city lakes, including Chikkabellandur Lake with a ₹10 crore plan) for immediate rejuvenation works ahead of the monsoon season.
However, the Bengaluru lake rejuvenation drive faces considerable challenges-
Encroachment- Large-scale encroachments on lake beds and feeder channels by land sharks and developers remain a persistent problem, making full restoration difficult.
Sewage Diversion Efficacy- Despite STPs, ensuring that all untreated sewage is diverted from the lakes, especially from informal settlements and rapidly growing peripheral areas, is a continuous battle.
Multiplicity of Authorities- The involvement of numerous government bodies (BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, Minor Irrigation Department, Forest Department, etc.) often leads to fragmented efforts, lack of coordination, and bureaucratic delays.
Funding and Maintenance- While funds are allocated for rejuvenation, consistent funding for long-term maintenance and protection against re-pollution remains a concern.
Scientific Approach vs. Beautification- There's a debate on if projects prioritize true ecological restoration (desilting, sewage diversion, wetland creation) over superficial beautification (walkways, fencing) that may not address core issues. Some "rejuvenation" efforts have even faced criticism for poorly built infrastructure or neglecting biodiversity.
Despite these hurdles, the ongoing efforts are crucial for Bengaluru's environmental and water future. Rejuvenated lakes directly contribute to-
Groundwater Recharge- By holding monsoon rainwater, lakes significantly replenish the city's depleting groundwater aquifers, a critical source of water for borewells and domestic use.
Flood Mitigation- A healthy, interconnected lake system acts as a natural sponge and flood buffer, absorbing excess rainwater and preventing urban flooding during heavy downpours.
Biodiversity Revival- Restored lakes create vital urban ecosystems, attracting migratory birds, supporting aquatic life, and increasing local biodiversity.
Temperature Regulation- Green spaces and water bodies help mitigate the urban heat island effect, contributing to a cooler microclimate.
Public Green Spaces- The development of promenades, parks, and walking tracks around rejuvenated lakes provides essential recreational spaces for citizens, enhancing urban livability.
The large-scale lake rejuvenation drive in Bengaluru is more than just an environmental project; it is a critical investment in the city's future resilience, public health, and ecological sustainability. As the monsoon season approaches, the success of these ongoing efforts will be keenly watched, determining how effectively Bengaluru can reclaim its heritage as the "City of Lakes" and secure its water future amidst the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate
