Three months ago, 56 year-old, Dr Ravi Ralph was made the Chief Executive officer(CEO) of the Lake Development Authority. He is also the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. He completed his education in Varanasi and then was posted as Conservator of Forests in various parts of Karnataka. He is a resident of HSR Layout.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Executive Officer, Lake Development Authority – Dr Ravi Ralph. Pic: Anisha Nair

What do you think is the key point in maintaining lakes?

In every meeting we see active citizens partnership. Synergy is the word. The government bodies and citizens have to work on par to reach success for any activity that’s been taken up. So the key point here is to work along with the citizens for rejuvenation of the lakes. That’s the only way forward.

What are your plans for Agara lake?

We’ve been constantly meeting with the citizens who are interested in that project. We are getting people’s participation for rejuvenating Agara so the work will start once the plan is formed.

How are you planning to maintain transparency in LDA?

There will be absolute transparency since people will anyways be involved in the lake rejuvenation programmes. We will also be informing people as and when we come up with any plans and budgets for any of the lakes.

Hobbies

I like reading and writing. I’ve got 34 of my articles on various topics published. I also like trekking and photography.

 

The bill proposed by LDA is pending in the cabinet. How are you planning to push it?

Yes the bill is pending due to some formalities. Once the paperwork is done, we’ll have much more power and funds for the lakes. I don’t know when it will be passed but we are trying very hard.

What do you think of HSR layout as a place to live?

I am living in HSR for 15 years. So I would say it is not very different from the other parts of Bangalore. It is a good place to live in.⊕