Why we need our lakes

If you are planning to invest in an apartment that promises a 'lake view', think twice! The building may just be coming up on the catchment area of a lake.

Would we choke off our lungs to “develop” ourselves? Certainly, in Bengaluru, we seem to be doing so. One lung is our green spaces, and the other is our lakes. Both are under threat and have shrunk so much in the past few decades that the quality of life in our city has been seriously impaired.

Let’s leave trees and greenery aside for a minute, and concentrate on our lakes (or lack of them). From about 1,790 + lakes, we seem to be down to a hundred, and the greed of real estate sharks (fuelled by the very real need for housing) has ensured that many lakes follow a vicious spiral to perdition: first, trash and construction material is dumped into them, as well as sewage and sometimes sullage; then, covert action is taken to acquire the land around it. Then, construction of apartment buildings begins, and often, these buildings sound the death knell of the very water body they are supposed to have a view of, by blocking the water inflow or the recharge areas of the kere .

The old system of keres in Bengaluru, many of them dug by Kempe Gowda, was a well-monitored and thought-out system of water bodies, interconnected and comprising a whole. The raja kaluves ensured that during monsoons and other rains, the ground water, as well as the lakes, were replenished.

“Development”, especially the rampant construction and escalating real estate prices after the IT boom, ensured that this system broke down. Even in the late 60’s, planners without vision built upon the lake beds. Dharmabuddhi kere, once a very large lake, is now Majestic Bus Stand, and one of the most congested areas of Bengaluru today! The destruction of our lakes has been very steady.

Here is a video that  explains the issues in a short, easy-to-understand way:

I am not knowledgeable enough about the history of Bengaluru, or the environmental issues involved, to be able to make authoritative statements. But as an avid naturalist, I see the deterioration on so many fronts, as our lakes dwindle and vanish… in terms of water replenishment, urban wildlife, plant species, microclimate… the list is a long one.

I do not propose to evangelise too much here… But I just ask each one of you – if you, or any of your friends, wants to invest in an apartment building that promises a “lake view”, do find out if the builders are building on the catchment area of the lake. Puttenahalli kere in Arekere is a prime example. All the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers are being frustrated by the fact that the catchment area of the lake cannot bring in water any more.

Constructions galore at the periphery of Kempambudhi kere. Screengrab from the video.

Let us try to learn from the successful rejuvenation of Kaikondrahalli kere (alas, the threat seems to continue), and take heed of the terrible sight of Bellandur kere, and try to actively preserve our water bodies before they vanish and leave our once-green and beautiful city sterile and wasted.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Gasping for breath, Delhiites still opt for personal vehicles. Why?

Vehicles are one of the top two pollutants in Delhi. Yet adoption of public transport remains abysmally low even as air quality plummets.

The extreme levels of air pollution reported in Delhi over the last week are shocking, but have not really taken anyone by surprise. It has become a yearly ritual in India’s capital. November has seen the average air quality index (AQI) hovering around 500 in the recent weeks, at ‘severe plus’ category, prompting the government to invoke several emergency measures.  While most people consider stubble burning a major cause of air pollution, a CSE analysis has revealed that vehicular pollution is the top contributor among combustion sources to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.  “Explosive motorization, choking congestion and inadequate public transport…

Similar Story

Opinion: Why climate action must recognise and include India’s informal workers

As COP29 discusses ways to mitigate the climate crisis, India must address the adversities faced by informal workers and chalk out plans.

The ongoing COP29 conference in Baku, is a pivotal moment in climate action, focusing on global cooperation to limit warming to 1.5°C. Key priorities include mobilising financial resources for developing countries to submit ambitious climate plans (NDCs) by 2025 and continuing support through the Fund for Loss and Damage (FRLD) established at COP28. COP29 also aims to strengthen adaptation efforts by setting finance-backed targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation.  While COP29 primarily focuses on international climate initiatives, India must address pressing domestic issues. One key group often overlooked is informal workers in Indian cities. Over 80% of India’s urban…