Spread across a huge area, Ulsoor lake was always a beautiful sheet of water. However, with the passage of time, the maintenance of the lake has come under constant criticism from different sections. But, soon everything might change, as United Way Bengaluru, an organisation has taken the task of reviving and maintaining Ulsoor lake and they have a series of plans in line to execute.
Manish, one of the active member of the organisation says, “Legally speaking we have not taken over the lake yet, but that will happen very soon.” Works like fencing, desilting and storm water drains connected to the lake has to be cleared by the BBMP before handing it over to the said group.
The organisation will be responsible for looking after the daily maintenance of the lake, garden, security and providing proper toilet facilities.
United Way Bengaluru aims at engaging the local community. Manish says, “BBMP never tried creating any participation from the people living in the vicinity but we are trying to convince people to participate in our initiatives relating to the lake. This will evoke a sense of oneness and ownness for the lake and we will see a better
Ulsoor lake.”
Although they have no expansion plans as such, one of the main criteria of the organisation will be to connect the lake to the other side, where Vivekananda park resides. “Further we are planning to construct an entrance gate on the Gurudwara side, since people coming from that side of the road have to take a long walk to enter the lake,” said Manish.
The water bodies of the city have reduced from 3.40 per cent in 1973 to just about 1.47 per cent in 2005 with built up area during the corresponding period increasing to 45.19 per cent from 27.30 per cent. Hence, the group is looking to plant more trees and enrich the flora and fauna of the lake.
As far as funds are concerned, the capital expenses will be borne by BBMP and the regular expenses for maintenance will be funded by a private sponsor for a year.
In the last few years, the BBMP which has been regularly carrying out lake restoration projects at a cost of `3 to 4 crore has not been successful in its attempts as the methods followed are not scientific and thereby resulting in dry and fallow water bodies. Hopefully, this new initiative undertaken by the BBMP with this non-profit organisation may yield some result.
Encouraged by the Karnataka High Court order dated March 3, 2011 to involve communities to protect the Lakes, the BBMP has roped in United Way Bengaluru to undertake the rejuvenation works at Ulsoor lake.
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