Lake rejuvenation has remained a promise on the manifesto on most occasions, and has of late become more of a citizen-driven project than a government-led one. While political parties blame each other for the state of lakes, citizens want active leadership from elected representatives to ensure sewage does not continue to flow into the city’s water bodies.
The fire in Bellandur lake (categorised as the lowest Class E grade by KSPCB) in the beginning of this year turned into a political flashpoint between the BJP and the Congress. Using its official Twitter account, the BJP criticised the State government for spending money on advertisements instead of cleaning up the lake.
Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George responded by accusing the BJP-led central government of not responding to the State’s request for separate funding.
Mahadevapura MLA Arvind Limbavalli has completed two terms, but despite promises there has been no progress on Bellandur lake, residents said.
“The lake has become a political tool for parties, who use it to score brownie points over each other. But none of the parties have attempted to do anything for the lake. Bellandur lake has been frothing and burning for years. It has become a big shame for the city,” said Sonali Singh, a resident.
Residents of Bellandur have drawn up their own charter, and lake rejuvenation figures prominently. “The new government must invest more in Mahadevapura constituency, and Bellandur lake rejuvenation must be a top priority,” she added.
The ever-frothing Varthur lake is another sore point for those living in the Mahadevapura constituency, and Whitefield Rising members are rallying with political parties to save the lake.
The cosmetic makeover of upstream Kaggadasarapura lake has not gone down well with residents of the area, who were eagerly waiting for the water body to be rejuvenated. “Instead of rejuvenating the lake, only the surrounding area has been beautified. No attempt has been made to stop the sewage inflow or de-silting. Garbage is dumped in the lake almost every day. Some citizens have been conducting clean-up drives for over a year now. Despite our efforts, we are shocked at the apathy of the authorities,” said Rasmita Jena, a member of the Save Kaggadasapura Lake group. Residents don’t want lake rejuvenation to be only an election issue to be forgotten later. “We will tell all candidates first to do the work and then take votes,” Ms. Jena said.
The model lakes
On the other hand, Jakkur, Puttenahalli, Chunchughatta and Kaikondrahalli lakes have been rejuvenated and considered model lakes. This was possible only because of the dedicated efforts of both residents and authorities. Citizens ask why these models cannot be replicated across Bengaluru.
“Lakes must be integrated with water security in Bengaluru. Unless political parties and citizens don’t look at the two as one, rejuvenation will not become a priority. Lake rejuvenation will be a major rallying point for this election. Citizens working to save lakes will expect a promise from political parties to quash the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill. Our vote will depend on this,” said Ramprasad V., co-founder, Friends of Lakes.
