Bengaluru's Kanakapura Road, a bustling corridor stretching over 20 km, is home to at least 15 lakes, but a survey by Deccan Herald (DH) reveals they are plagued by neglect and poor upkeep amid growing urban pressure. The lakes, once vital water bodies, now face encroachment, pollution, and inadequate maintenance, threatening their ecological health.
Status of Lakes Along Kanakapura Road
DH tracked the condition of key lakes including Doddakallasandra, Gottigere, and Kalena Agrahara. Many lakes have reduced water spread areas due to siltation and encroachment. For instance, Doddakallasandra Lake, covering about 30 acres, shows signs of eutrophication with algal blooms. According to local residents, the lake's bund is damaged, and sewage inflows remain unchecked.
Gottigere Lake, spanning 25 acres, suffers from weed infestation and garbage dumping. A resident, Ramesh K., said, "The lake used to be a picnic spot, but now it's filled with plastic waste. The authorities rarely clean it." The survey found that only a few lakes, like Kalena Agrahara, have seen some restoration efforts, but maintenance remains sporadic.
Urban Pressure and Encroachment
The rapid urbanization of Kanakapura Road has led to increased real estate development, putting pressure on lake boundaries. Encroachments have reduced the buffer zones of several lakes. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has identified encroachments in at least five lakes, but removal drives have been slow. A BBMP official stated, "We have cleared some encroachments, but legal cases delay further action."
The lakes also face pollution from untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Water samples from Doddakallasandra Lake showed high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), indicating severe pollution. Environmentalist S. Vishwanath noted, "The lakes are dying due to lack of integrated management. We need a comprehensive plan to restore them."
Impact on Biodiversity and Community
The neglect has affected local biodiversity. Bird counts have declined, with fewer sightings of migratory species. The lakes also lose their recreational value. A jogger near Gottigere Lake said, "The stench keeps us away. We need clean water bodies." The survey highlighted that only three lakes have walking paths, and most lack basic amenities like benches or lighting.
Despite these challenges, some community groups are working to revive the lakes. The Friends of Lakes group has conducted clean-up drives at Doddakallasandra, removing over 2 tons of garbage in 2025. However, sustained efforts require government support. The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) has allocated funds for restoration, but implementation lags.
Way Forward
Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach: desilting, sewage diversion, and regular monitoring. The BBMP plans to adopt a lake management model with citizen participation. As the city expands, preserving these lakes is critical for groundwater recharge and climate resilience. The DH survey underscores the urgent need for action before these water bodies vanish.
