114 lakes rejuvenated in Bengaluru, 19 unfit to use: Data

The winter session of the Parliament begin on Monday, amidst the chaos, Lok Sabha continued with its proceedings, including a crucial response from Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Bengaluru's lakes.

114 lakes rejuvenated in Bengaluru

In a written reply, Minister Yadav revealed details about the rejuvenation efforts for Bengaluru's lakes. According to information provided by the Karnataka state government, Bruhat Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BBMP) oversees 204 lakes. Out of these, 114 lakes are developed, 38 are currently under development, 33 remain undeveloped, and 19 are unfit for use.

The Karnataka government has taken several measures to address lake-related issues. Annual maintenance routines are in place, and security staff is deployed to prevent encroachment and control waste dumping. Some lakes boast Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to treat water before discharging it into the lakes. Sewage diversion drains are constructed to keep sewage away from the lakes, and sedimentation ponds prevent silt entry.

Artificial islands and green pathways have been introduced to enhance biodiversity in certain lakes. Additionally, to combat various challenges, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. These rules serve as a regulatory framework, aiming to conserve and manage wetlands across the country.

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems

The MoEF&CC is actively involved in the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), a centrally sponsored scheme. This initiative, implemented on a cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and State Governments, covers a spectrum of activities. From wastewater treatment to lake beautification and community participation, the scheme focuses on holistic wetland conservation.

Bengaluru has witnessed significant projects under this scheme. Between 2002 and 2010, the MoEF&CC sanctioned projects totaling ₹24.27 crores for the conservation of eight wetlands in the city. The completed projects targeted wetlands like Vengaiahkere, Nagvara, Jarganahalli, Lal Bagh, Bellandur, Gowramma, Homballama & Magadhi.

Recent developments indicate ongoing efforts in the region. The Karnataka government shared that 47 lakes under Nava Nagarothana 2018-19, 5 lakes under Subhra Bangaluru Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grants, 8 lakes under 15th Finance Grants, and 71 lakes under Amrutha Nagarothana 2022-23 are either developed or undergoing development. These initiatives collectively received a cumulative grant/fund of approximately Rs. 590 crores.

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