Wetlands keep Halasuru Lake clean and aesthetic

20 floating wetlands with around 10 saplings each were installed by BBMP lakes department around 6 months ago; visitors welcomed by clean lake ever since

Once, the wetland on the western side of Halasuru Lake was not only a health hazard but also an eyesore for people who visited the water body for a walk in the morning and evening. Now, the lake water is clean, thanks to floating wetlands installed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Lakes Department in association with some organisations.

Earlier, it was tough to go near the wetland due to silt, dirty water with algae, and bad odour. Now, the portion of the lake near the idol immersion pond, with around eight floating wetlands, has become a visual treat for lake visitors.

Some of the people who visited the lake appreciated the BBMP Lakes Department and the organisations involved in installing the floating wetlands. “Now, the lake is clean. I am happy to see no algae in the lake water. I want the BBMP authorities, the organisations, and the volunteers to install more floating wetlands to ensure clean water in the lake,’’ said Ashok Kumar, a resident of Sivan Chetty Garden.

The residents observed that the floating wetlands were installed at the lake six months ago. The floating wetlands will upgrade the ecological health of the lake. Each floating wetland has around 10 saplings, which absorb nutrients and convert them into oxygen.

Appreciating the authorities responsible for installing floating wetlands in the lake, Vinod Kumar, a resident of Cox Town, said the portion of the lake near the idol immersion pond was full of weed and algae six months ago. “Now the portion of the lake, once an eyesore, has become a visual treat. It will be a great help if the BBMP authorities take up developmental works without delay to save the lake,’’ said Vinod Kumar.

Manjunath S, a resident of Gupta Layout, has opined that the BBMP Lakes Department should and must direct the lake maintenance contractor to ensure cleanliness along the walking path. “It is the only lake in Bengaluru East that is in good condition. I want the BBMP Lakes Department to make Halasuru Lake a destination for residents for a walk in the morning and evening. If the water in the lake is clean, more people will visit the lake,’’ Manjunath said.

We have also installed four aerators to improve water quality at Halasuru Lake. There are many proposals to develop Halasuru Lake– Akshath Manjunath, BBMP lakes Dept

Palani P, another resident, stressed that the BBMP authorities have to take measures to ensure no sewage enters the lake to avoid pollution of the lake water.

Meanwhile, BBMP Lakes Department Assistant Executive Engineer Akshath Manjunath said around 20 floating wetlands were installed at Halasuru Lake. “The floating wetlands have reduced algae at Halasuru Lake. We have also installed four aerators to improve water quality at Halasuru Lake. We have installed two floating wetlands at Byrasandra Lake in CV Raman Nagar Assembly constituency on a pilot basis. There are many proposals to improve and develop Halasuru Lake,’’ said the assistant executive engineer.