Residents Of Iblur Unites To Save Ambalipura Lake
Photo-Courtesy : Bhagya Prakash K (The Hindu)
Ambalipura Lake, a 2.9-hectare water body which was earlier under the Forest Department, almost died at one point of time as the urban sprawl ate into its inlet and outlet streams. Moreover, sewage was being let into it. The rise in water logging and contamination killed nearly 250 acacia trees on the wetland. And the expanse became a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The lake is one of the 17 water bodies the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is trying to rejuvenate under Project 2 at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. Residents of Iblur decided to take the matters in hand and save the lake. Residents have collected Rs. 1 lakh and are planning to revive the lake along with BBMP.
“We were happy when the BBMP announced the lake’s revival. We are working with the authorities to revive the rich biodiversity of this lake,” said Mr K. Rajesh Rao, whose family is one of the 200 residing in Trinity Woods, a condominium that adjoins the lake. They are also part of Forward 150, federations of resident welfare associations (RWAs) of Bellandur ward working with the BBMP to rejuvenate the lakes.
“I want the lake restored to its former glory. It is home to 30 species of birds, including the rare Lesser Whistling Duck. The lake must retain its biodiversity,” said Mr. Rao.
“This lake could not be traced for many years. The only sign that it existed was the bund where water was accumulating,” said Murali, local resident
Ambalipura Lake is encircled by buildings where Trinity Woods is on one side, the other three are flanked by the Park Vista, Red Wood and Mantri Flora apartments. Residents of all the four apartment complexes were involved in bringing several modifications in the detailed project report on the lake.
As many as 24 mounds have been created on the wetland, while a big island has been created at the water accumulation point. Residents collected Rs. 1 lakh and bought saplings of 70 different fruit-bearing and other trees that will be planted on the mounds and on the island.
The residents, who had brought this condition to the notice of the Forest Department, actively participated in Project 2 when the lakes in their vicinity were selected for rejuvenation. “Our task became easy as the Project 2 team of the BBMP was receptive to our suggestions towards conserving the biodiversity,” said Mr. Murali.
This is a great example for what can be achieved when government and people work together. Residents of Iblur are working to revive the Ambalipura Lake along with BBMP under rejuvenation Project 2.
Source: mybangalore.com
Ambalipura Lake Iblur, Ambalipura Lake Sarjapur, Bangalore, BBMP Bangalore, Bellandur Lake, Forward 150 Bangalore, Iblur, Mantri Flora apartments, Park Vista apartments, Red Wood Apartment, Residents of Iblur, Sarjapur Bangalore, Sarjapur Road, Trinity Woods Bangalore
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