Memo for budgetary support to protect Doddakallasandra Lake

The Doddakallasandra Lake Protection Committee (DLPT), comprising local residents and environmentally conscious citizens, has urged the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to allocate specific resources for the conservation and maintenance of the lake in the 2025-26 budget. The group submitted a detailed memorandum advocating for a participatory “ground-up budgeting” approach, inspired by Panchayat Raj processes, to address pressing ecological concerns.

Doddakallasandra Lake has long been recognised for its rich biodiversity. Recent data from eBird reveals that the lake has hosted 126 bird species, with 110 recorded in just the past 10 months. Its water quality, classified as “Class D,” suitable for wildlife and fisheries, has been consistently maintained since the lake’s rejuvenation. “The lake is not just a waterbody; it’s an ecological treasure that supports diverse flora and fauna. It is our duty to protect and enhance it,” said a member of the committee.

The committee has been actively monitoring the lake’s ecological health and has identified several key areas that require immediate attention. One significant issue is the inadequate rainwater harvesting structures. The current barrier at the lake’s main inlet has failed to channel sufficient rainwater into the lake during the monsoon, resulting in low water levels.

“There is an urgent need to modify the inlet structure to enhance rainwater flow,” the memorandum stated.

Another critical concern is the gaps in the lake’s inner fencing, which allow street dogs to enter the lakebed. These intrusions disturb birds and other wildlife. Similarly, the lack of cattle guards at the lake’s gates has led to herds of cows damaging horticultural plants and intimidating walkers, particularly senior citizens. Lighting around the lake after sunset has also been flagged as a disturbance to birds. “Birds tend to settle within the lake before sunset, and the extended lighting disrupts their natural behaviour,” the committee noted, calling for stricter instructions to limit lighting hours.

The group also emphasised the need to repair uneven walking paths, which pose risks to senior citizens and children. Additionally, they proposed allowing natural grasses and plants to grow in the wetland areas, as these plants help reduce nutrient levels in the water, benefiting aquatic life and wildlife.

Other recommendations include increasing the height of the lake’s outlet to retain water for longer periods, fixing broken fences to prevent illegal activities, and installing steel nets at inlets to block plastic waste from entering the lake.

“Our efforts have consistently focussed on improving the lake ecologically and aesthetically, but we need the BBMP’s support to implement these measures,” said a committee representative.