BBMP allocates ₹50 cr for development of lakes

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has allocated ₹50 crore for the development and rejuvenation of 24 lakes across the city, with the highest share of ₹10 crore reserved for Kalkere Lake. The funds will be used for desilting, fencing, building waste barriers, and other essential works aimed at lake restoration and conservation. The civic body’s lake development budget for 2025–26 includes both existing and newly added lakes. Last year, 13 lakes were sanctioned ₹35 crore; this year, 11 more lakes have been added, increasing the total grant to ₹50 crore.

Kalkere Lake, located on the city’s outskirts, is set for full desilting. Kacharakanahalli Lake has been allocated ₹3.5 crore for desilting, fencing, and soil work. Siddapur Lake, known to overflow during rains, will get ₹1.75 crore for constructing basin drains, inlets, sluice gates, and a waste barrier.

Lakes in Mahadevapura Zone—such as Siddapur, Seegihalli, Gunjur Palya, Panathur, Doddanekundi, Munnekolala, and both Upper and Lower Ambalipura Lakes—are part of the allocation. In RR Nagar, Kengeri, Ullal, Dubasipalya, and Kenchanpura Lakes will receive development support. In Bommanahalli, Dorekere, Mangammanapalya, and Gottigere Lakes are also included.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has requested BBMP to take over Varthur Lake. However, BBMP has declined, citing encroachments and incomplete work. A BBMP engineer commented, “BDA wants to transfer the problem, not the lake.” This move marks a renewed push toward ecological restoration, aiming to preserve Bengaluru’s fast-disappearing water bodies.