The name ‘Lake view’ seems an all-time favourite for any apartment in the city. Alas, with the shrinking and disappearance of lakes, these names which seem to fetch a premium may get fewer.
Yet there is hope with the seriousness being given to the protection of the remaining lakes in the city. Here is a list of a few things that the builders and the occupants can do to keep the fair reputation of the name of their apartment.
For the builderRespect the integrity of the lake. Do not build within 30 metres of the fence of the lake as is required by law. Ensure during construction that no debris is dumped in the lake or its foreshore. Make sure that toilet and water facilities are provided to the construction workers on site so that they are not forced to use the lake for ablutions.
Ensure that the apartment has a state-of-the-art waste-water treatment plant which treats all waste-water generated and is reused within the site itself or let out into the sewerage lines provided by the utility. In no case should partially treated or untreated waste-water be let out into the lake or into the storm drains which lead into the lake.
Try and help any community group or institution trying to protect and preserve the lake. As much as a serene or pristine lake is an attraction for buyers a mosquito-laden and sewage-filled one is a disincentive.
Do put in place a system for segregated solid waste collection and disposal which residents can easily follow and which will not end up in the lake. Consider digging and using an open well rather than a borewell. Our proximity to the lake makes it likely that the groundwater table will be high and can therefore be utilised. Make sure that deep basements are avoided since they can easily be flooded by a high groundwater table.
For the owners or the potential owners of the building.
Do ask if the builder has followed all the required norms for the construction which applies to the ones near lakes including boundary distance to be maintained from the lakes. Make sure it is not on an old lakebed or the ‘Rajakaluve’, the channel connecting lakes.
Do form an association as quickly as possible and run your waste-water treatment and solid waste management systems well. Join the lake group to take care of your neighbourhood lake or form one with interested other citizens if there is none. City institutions are now eager to partner with residents for the maintenance and upkeep of lakes. Make sure all the government bodies are involved and engaged for this purpose. Preventing the entry of untreated sewage, ensuring that no waste is dumped into the lake, creating and enhancing a wetland are all things that a community is best placed to do.
A good lake nearby is an asset for the immediate neighbourhood and also for the city. A bit of management, and children will be the first beneficiaries of the clean surroundings. Senior citizens can take a walk in the evening and there is nothing like an expanse of clean water body filled with flora and fauna to bring back nature into your lives.
Who knows your children may discover the joy of bird watching and see the Baya weaver bird weave its nest up close or a flotilla of pelicans sail by every day.
