Why all Bengaluru lakes need a biodiversity survey: Lessons from Dorekere

The Dorekere survey highlighted the importance of documenting the biodiversity of lakes and the need to involve the community in such an activity.

A lake is not just a body of water, it is an ecosystem. Action Aid Association India organised a survey to document the biodiversity of Dorekere, a lake in South Bengaluru. The biodiversity survey was funded by the Australian Consulate in Chennai. It not only documented several species but highlighted the importance of such an activity in understanding whether Bengaluru lakes are being developed in an ecologically sound manner.

Dorekere is a 28-acre lake in the Uttarahalli suburb of South Bengaluru. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) currently manages the lake. Earlier, it came under the purview of the Karnataka Forest Department, which planted several trees creating a mini-forest on the lake premises. The lake also has a shallow wetland area or suspension pond, valued by waders or shorebirds.


Read more: How to stop fishkill in Bengaluru’s lakes


The survey results

The survey was a year-long process from June 2023 to May 2024. During this period, we enlisted several senior naturalists and experts to document birds, trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and butterflies found at the lake. The studies were conducted as nature walks to encourage participation from residents, including children.

We documented 74 species of birds, including 11 migratory bird species. Four of the species, the Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork and Oriental Darter were ‘Near Threatened.’ The island at Dorekere had at least 72 nests and was also a valuable roosting site.

We documented 73 species of shrubs, herbs and grasses. Dorekere also has 57 species of trees and over 700 individual trees. We documented 27 species of butterflies. However, our butterfly survey was incomplete because butterflies are most active in the afternoons and the lake remains closed during this time, as per BBMP rules. Detailed results can be seen in the report here.

A glimpse of the biodiversity found in Dorekere. Pics: Raghavendra Pachhapur

Including local communities

The presence of the local community particularly enhanced our survey. Residents, including children, volunteered and participated in all surveys. This helped them understand the value of biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by Dorekere. Many local residents are now part of an active WhatsApp group, where they raise lake-related concerns with the relevant authorities.

Biodiversity surveys in all Bengaluru lakes

Our survey was not perfect by any means. But we need to recreate this activity across Bengaluru lakes for three reasons:

  • It helps us see what biodiversity is there at a lake
  • It helps us understand how lake management can be improved to enhance biodiversity
  • It is a great way to engage local residents, especially children, and create a bond between them and the lake.

In this short video, I explain how the process worked and why we need this for other lakes in Bengaluru:

Any interested citizen or lake group can also contact me via email: ragavb71@hotmail.com or X(Twitter) @RBPachhapur.

Also read:

Leave a Reply

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

Similar Story

Clearing Bengaluru’s air: Urgent reforms needed for commercial vehicles

In Bengaluru, commercial vehicles make up only 4% of the total fleet but contribute a massive 49% of PM2.5 vehicular emissions.

A long weekend drive on the highway sounds like a good way to unwind, but the massive, often overloaded trucks and other commercial vehicles belching black-grey smoke can make city roads less pleasant.  While commercial vehicles are crucial for the supply of essential goods across cities, they also cause major pollution. In Bengaluru, commercial vehicles make up just 4% of the total vehicle population but contribute a staggering 49% of the city's PM2.5 vehicular emissions. A recent study published by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) revealed this fact.  Particulate matter from vehicle emissions penetrates deep into the lungs…

Similar Story

Road to clean air: How MTC buses can tackle Chennai’s pollution problems

Rising NO2 pollution and traffic in Chennai underscore the need for sustainable public transport options

Ramesh S, a resident of Perambur, stands at his local bus stop, waiting to start his daily commute. A beat-up Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus, painted pink at the front and rear, arrives, emitting visible black smoke from its exhaust. The fumes and unpleasant smell make him cough. In 2023-24, the average age of MTC buses was 9.61 years as opposed to the recommended 9 years. With the addition of a few new buses into the fleet in 2024, this improved to 7.56 years, yet the overall situation remains concerning. The new buses still run on fossil fuel and the…