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So Long, And Thanks For All The Birds
Written By tsubba - 26 July, 2007
Bangalore Hebbal Lake lakes Nature amenities
The 500 year old Hebbal lake ecosystem spread over 150 acres has not only been an abode of nature enthusiasts, it has also sustained hundreds of people - farmers, fishing communities, cattle herders, washermen, and casual workers. Now it is all set to make way for a floating restaurant and a cafeteria, a children’s park, a handicrafts and gift centre, a waterfall and a statue, and a medical centre on the lake shore.
Image Credits: Sudhira, Vandan Desai, trangam @ Flickr.
Not to mention other "developments" abutting the north end of the lake, including a hotel on an 8 acre land adjoning the lake by the EIH(East India Hotels), a division of the Oberoi Group, that is responsible for the "mantenance" of Hebbal kere.
EIH communiqué: "We took up the project … with the sole intent of preserving an important natural element of the city".
M. Munireddy, Chief Executive Officer of the LDA: It(project) will turn the lake into this “unique” recreational venue. “will at least provide urbanites an avenue for recreation, and keep the place clear of slums”.
Meera Baindur, who has studied the history of Karnataka’s lakes: "People who traditionally depended on the lake will lose access. The lake will serve only one purpose — recreation for those who can pay.”
S. Subramanya, an avid bird watcher: "The Oberoi is building a hotel right in front of the lake, on the other side of the ring road. Hotel guests may gaze upon a pretty water body, but the project will possibly spell the end of birds. The ecosystem consists of four types of vegetation which grow at different water depths, supporting at least 30 species of birds. But after removing the silt, it will be too deep for some birds such as sandpipers and clovers, while boating will disturb the deep water birds such as ducks and cormorants.”
as illayaraja's haunting melody in tamil goes,
svargaane adroonu adu nammora thara iruthha? .... oDD oDi bandu, neeralli jigidu muLugi muLugi meeyakk aguttha?
Source: Divya Gandhi and Swathi Shivanand reporting for the Hindu.
COMMENTS
tsubba - 27 July, 2007 - 16:54
Visitor - 30 July, 2007 - 03:58
shas3n - 30 July, 2007 - 04:14
Indu/Malavika,
I surely agree that 'someone has to do something' about the issue. We believe that the 'someone' is us. Praja is a place where people like us join our voices and make ourselves heard.
In a way you have come to the right place to voice your concerns about the lake. Praja can be a place where you network with people who have similar views about issues pertaining to our city. That might help you to reach the critical number to reach out to the larger mass and join forces.
To start with, you can register yourselves and start using praja as your online space for canvasing. If you wish, you can start blogging on the issue here and document the progress of your efforts to save the lake. Some of the users here have plans to get in touch with authorities on various issues and use tools like RTI to obtain information that can help us. You can join us on that front if you wish too.
-Shastri
Miakk - 31 July, 2007 - 13:50
Hi there,
We just wanted to inform everyone here that a candle light vigil is being organised
as part of the protest on August 4th, 2007 (this Saturday) at 6:30 p.m. at the lake.
If anyone would like to help, that would be great!
You 'll have to bring your own candles (2 preferably), and rain gear for yourself if you wish.
We hope to see alot of people there!!
Miakk (Malvika, Indu, Akanksha, Kanika, Karan)
Development or commercialization?
shas3n - 27 July, 2007 - 04:50
Looks like whoever approved those projects had not an ounce of ecological sense in his brain. Or may be its just another set of land sharks using development as a disguise for commercialization.
The last time I passed hebbal lake, I was really surprised to see it turning into a 'Palace Ground'
As our cities grow, such ecological islands become more and more of a relief on the environment. Just imagine south bangalore without Lalbag or Central Bangalore without Cubbon park. At least I am for once happy about the beurocracy of Horticulture department due to their slowness in introducing 'developments' in these two areas.
Speaking of birds, here is a collection of excellent photographs from an enthusiastic Bangalorean. Top quality stuff as you would appreciate. I guess there are lots of photos there taken at Hebbal too.
-Shastri
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