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One more lake make-over project announced

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Written By Rithesh - 15 August, 2009

Bangalore lakes BBMP BDA Analysis LDA Others

One more lake makeover plan has been announced and this time it is BBMP. 900 crores will be spent on makeover of 187 lakes and the project is called ‘Namma Bangalore Nisarga’.

BBMP claims that of the 187 lakes, 25 have already been developed. I wonder which are these lakes.

I have to admit i have lost track of how many lake development/rejuvenation/makeover plans have be announced and also the agencies handling them.

I am also confused when they say "develop the lake" - does it mean only fencing them? Few months back Hebbal lake was taken up for development. Apart from the fencing, no other work has happened there. The water hyacinth covers more than 40% of the surface area. A huge drain enter the lake towards the eastern end and towards this end it is fully covered by hyacinth. About one had half years back, the whole lake was drained and de-silted. But all that seams to have gone vain.

Same is the case with Nagavara Lake - which is divided into parts. One part was leased out to a private contractor (Lumbini Gardens) and is decently maintained. The other half, is completely (100%) covered with water hyacinth and also drainage flows right into it. There is a very large water treatment plant very next to it - but doesnt seam to be operational and the plant is instead being used to produce huge water pipes (possibly for Cauvery 4th Stage project).

Lake development should include -
- Clearing of water hyacinth
- Clearing of all water inlets
- Treatment of all sewage water entering the lake
- Prevention of lake bed and catchment area encroachments
- Development of the lake ecosystem

We should definitely track where this 900 crores is going and how it is being spent. Anyone game for an RTI project?

Link to the newspaper article.

COMMENTS

meet?

sanjayv - 17 August, 2009 - 12:06

 Dear Chari sir,

  I live in the whitefiled area also.  May I suggest that in typical praja fashion we discuss and finalize the plan for RTI here and meet in person only if need be?  Weekeday meetings are difficult for me.

Late response

RKCHARI - 16 August, 2009 - 08:00

Sorry Rithesh, i had not seen your write up earlier. You can count me in on your RTI Project. Just let me know what you would like done.

Regards

RKC

Yes, I am in

sanjayv - 16 August, 2009 - 15:22

Let's plan out what to file and go ahead.  We should also rope in PSA sir - he is interested in these lake issues as well. 

Will file the RTI

Rithesh - 17 August, 2009 - 03:00

I have prepared an draft RTI app, to get the details of the lakes that are being developed, the money being spent on each lake and the type of development work they plan to take up in each of these lakes.

I will file this in a couple of days. If you guys have anything else to ask, let me know, i could add into the query or file a separate one.

The usually dont respond to the query before 30 days. Will have to wait till then.

When & Where?

RKCHARI - 17 August, 2009 - 01:41

Hi Sanjay,

Where do you stay Sanjay? When & where can we meet to discuss next steps?

I live in Whitefield & PSA in Indiranagar. I have no problem commuting to any place as long as I get enough time and sufficient notice to rework my schedule, to reach the place.

PSA Garu, are you up to throwing your hat into this venture?

Regards,

Chari

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