Bengaluru: The Kowdenahalli Lake stretched in 55 -acre, which was once a deserted swamp, is now a vibrant waterbody frequented by local and migratory birds, home to several species of fish and reptiles and with medicinal plants and fruit-bearing trees dotting its periphery.
The United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) flagship initiative, Wake the Lake, the waterbody has been rejuvenated, with the collaboration of community, government and corporate.
C Narayanappa, president of the KR Puram Lake and Environment Protection Trust, urges the local MLA to release funds for lake development for driving concerted community efforts like cleanliness, plantation, he hopes the waterbody will be a model for citizen participation in lake rejuvenation. “The community has registered itself as a trust and we have got Rs 1.2 crore sanctioned from the MLA’s fund for developmental works. As of now, there is a gravel pathway lined up with LED streetlights, toilets, gazebos and benches. But soon there will be an open gym, yoga space and a children’s park. We also allow contractual fishing as fish ensure cleanliness of the water and also draws birds to feed on them,” he said. Cheluraju, who has been staying in Ramamurthy Nagar for 40 years, says it is a matter of pride for the residents that despite having 15 lakes in neighbouring areas, people come to Kowdenahalli for their daily walk. D Muralidhar Nair, a retired employee, said several people using the park play their part in contributing to the infrastructure, including the notice board and drinking water facilities.
Mahesh CS, senior manager, UWBe who handles rejuvenation for 16 lakes, says the threats faced by waterbodies in the city would continue till the rajakaluves or stormwater drains (SWD) connecting to them do not carry clean water. “The lakes in Bengaluru are man-made tanks that have been developed against the stream line. There is no source of water, save the Cauvery hundreds of kilometers away. SWDs, which are stream lines to carry rainwater, are found carrying everything else today. Unless these are cleaned of garbage, the lakes will be dry,” he said.