Working together towards a common goal

BANGALORE: The boundaries of the city are marked with tiny lakes that are now being used for sewage and garbage disposal.Another problem most lakes face is that of encroachment.With its muddy paths the lake plays host to many varieties of birds. Together the residents and authorities are doing everything in their power to not let Kaikondanahalli Kere lake take the same road as several others lakes have in the past.Public talkThe lake stretches over 53 acres and is home for more than 80 species of birds.The residents have planted hundreds of tress in order to save the greenery. An eight-year-old student of the school nearby remarked, “It’s nice to have a lake near the school. The view is great mainly if the chapter being done is boring.” A bund has been constructed in order to prevent overflow of water into the school.Biodiversity thinning?Birds like the Kingfisher, the Green Bee eater, White Wagtail, Jungle Mynah and Black Drongo are drawn to the lake. Several birds from Japan and China are also said to migrate here. Usha, a resident of Sarjapur, said, “I often come jogging here in the morning. The chirping and the sight of a bird in flight improves the mood.Another bird watcher, Srinath, asserted, “I have been watching birds here from the past decade. The frequency of the birds has definitely reduced. It is a serious cause of concern.”BBMP work has begunThe BBMP has begun work on improving the lake. Phase I of the work has been completed.It includes de-weeding and formation of bunds.In store for Kaikondahalli in the next phase is a children’s play area, jogging tracks, toilets and lighting facilities. In addition, a fencing for the park will also be done in the future.Wetland move The BBMP has recently made a wetland in order to purify the waste that makes its way into the lake. The act has been applauded by many as the wetland concept is new in the city and has worked very well in the lake.Measures against overflow in the monsoons have also been taken with a large crater created to store the water. A separate drain leading from the lake also ensures that the stagnant water doesn’t exude foul smell.Drainage hasslesAs of now, sewage from Kasavanahalli is being redirected into the lake — a move, which many say, has to be sorted out before it causes harm to the lake.Surrounding lakes of Agrahara and Kudlu face the same problems. While a temporary measure of redirecting the water was taken previously, it lacks any as of now.Time & moneyThe Phase I of the project was completed within a year and a half. It costed Rs 2.5 crore. Phase II of the project will take another year to complete and has been slated at Rs 4 crore. Security guards will also be hired. In the pipelineA mini island has been planned in the centre of the lake to encourage birds to migrate here again. It will be planted with several varieties of ‘bird friendly’ plants and shrubs. A detailed study of the birds that fly here and their living habits have also been proposed.Residents speakSheela, a resident said, “I am pleased to see such efforts made by the authorities to ensure that our lake is saved.” Authorities speakJagannath Rao, assistant conservator of forest, BBMP, said, “We are doing our best to ensure that the natural surroundings for the birds are restored. We have taken several initiative to ensure that. Former forest officer, Betappa M, said, “My ties with the lake go a long way. I have planted trees here. I hope that the progressive moves the concerned authorities are taking will preserve the lake.”