Bengaluru’s 25-Year Water Security Plan Targets Seven Lakes and Over 5,000 Acres of New Parks
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is preparing a comprehensive plan to secure Bengaluru’s water requirements for the next 25 years through the conservation of major lakes, groundwater recharge and measures to prevent encroachments, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said.
The proposed programme will focus on rejuvenating Hesaraghatta, Bettadakote, Hoskote, Yele Mallappa Shetty, Bannerghatta, Bagalur and Byramangala lakes.
“The government is preparing a comprehensive plan for Bengaluru’s water security over the next 25 years by conserving major lakes, increasing groundwater levels and preventing encroachments,” Shivakumar said.
The Chief Minister said the identified lakes would be developed and revitalised under the proposed programme.
Preventing encroachments, desilting or deepening lakes wherever required and stopping sewage from entering the water bodies will be accorded priority, he said.
Shivakumar said the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, the Lake Development Authority, the Minor Irrigation Department, the Bangalore Development Authority and other related agencies would be directed to prepare reports on the proposed measures.
The government has also decided to develop new parks across more than 5,000 acres to expand Bengaluru’s green cover.
The proposed green spaces will cover areas including Turahalli Forest, Thottikallu Falls, BM Kaval Forest, Basavanthapura, Mandur and Jyothipura.
“Through this initiative, the government is placing emphasis on expanding Bengaluru’s green areas, protecting the environment and strengthening the city’s future water security,” the Chief Minister said.
