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.
BBMP, which has rejuvenated many lakes over the years, will now take over all city lakes except three. Meanwhile BDA has started rejuvenating Varthur lake. Read more on what else happened in the city this week, in our roundup
Transport Department opposes new carpooling platform, expert recommends changes to waste processing plants, NEERI may audit city lakes – read more on what made news in Bengaluru this week
After decades of neglect, Bellandur and Varthur lakes are now on the fast track to being revived, after the intervention of a NGT-appointed committee. The committee will also hold its first public meeting this month