Yelahanka Lake, covering 292 acres is one of the largest lakes in Bangalore, under the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Home to many birds, ornithologist Dr Subramanya recorded as many as 33 species during a one-hour visit to the lake in November 2012.
About 14 acres of the lake was encroached by illegal buildings and hutments, but over the past year, in multiple operations, the BBMP has successfully evicted the encroachers, regained possession of the property, and is now looking to restore it.
Yelahanka Lake and the neighbouring Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake
To initiate the restoration, the BBMP has requested United Way of Bengaluru to help with a tree planting event at the lake. United Way, has been working with the BBMP and local citizens’ groups at several Bangalore lakes since 2011, and its “Wake the Lake” campaign has been focused on reviving the dying lakes of the city.
Mr Suresh Nair, Executive Director, United Way of Bengaluru has indicated that 1000 saplings will be planted at the lake on 27th July 2013. The planned schedule is below:
10:30 – 11:00am – Welcome Speech by United Way, Local MLA Mr. Vishwanath and BBMP Chief Mr. Satish address the gathering, Talk by renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka (the lady who has planted a number of banyan trees and looked after them to adulthood).
11:00 – 11:30am – Puppet-o-thon – a show using puppets from recycled materials – lead by John Devaraj and children of Vibgyor International School (1km walk up and 1km walk down a stretch of the lake).
11:30 – 12:30pm – Planting of the 1000 saplings by donors, volunteers and participants.
Everyone is invited to participate in the efforts to bring this lake back to life.
Event details
Place: Yelahanka Lake
Date: Saturday, 27th July 2013
Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm