Bengaluru lakes: How drying up of nearly 150 lakes is killing the city of gardens, Bengaluru
Among the 125 dried-up lakes, 100 are in Bengaluru Urban district and 25 are within BBMP limits. Some lakebeds have swiftly transformed into cricket pitches for local youth, highlighting the dire situation. BBMP officials report that out of the 184 lakes under their jurisdiction, 50 are in critical condition. Bengaluru Urban district, which oversees over 600 lakes, has witnessed almost 100 lakes drying up this year.
However, there is a silver lining. Six lakes in Bengaluru Urban district are at full capacity, while 19 are between 50% and 90% full. According to an engineer, this is mainly due to the Koramangala-Challaghatta and Hebbal-Nagavara valley projects.
Notable lakes like Nallurahalli Lake near Whitefield and Vibhutipura Lake near HAL have now become playgrounds due to the lack of water.
The drying up of these water bodies could significantly impact the groundwater table and hinder fishing activities. Officials remain hopeful, pointing to the rain forecast from last week, believing that these lakes could be revitalized. It’s important to note that the 184 lakes under BBMP’s jurisdiction exclude 19 water bodies that are no longer in use. Sankey Tank, a prominent lake in Bengaluru, is among those drying up rapidly.An officer mentioned, “At least 15 lakes are being replenished with treated water by BWSSB in the city. BWSSB can fill lakes near its sewage treatment plants, but for lakes farther away, they have to rely solely on rain.”
(With inputs from TOI)
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