When a lake is rejuvenated, those dependent on the lake for food or livelihoods usually lose access to it. But there are ways to conserve lakes while also protecting livelihoods.
Bengaluru lakes once offered a buffet of greens and fish to those in the neighbourhood. The trees around lakes yielded fruits and seeds that could be either devoured or sold in the markets. But pollution and flawed rejuvenation projects have stopped local communities from accessing lakes.
Iblur lake, which had once been a toxic cesspool, is now thriving and beautified, thanks to citizen efforts. The lake’s trustees are also planning to develop a Miyawaki forest in the vicinity.
Legacy School Bangalore works with the citizen group Jalmitra to convert Rachenahalli lake into a classroom for its students. As the students learn and work with the local community, the condition of the lake has also improved
From being a water network to becoming sewage basins of Bengaluru, lakes have an interesting history. But lakes still matter to this city, because they help in groundwater recharge. The story of rejuvenating Bengaluru’s lakes is an inspiring one.
