BBMP invites proposals from corporates, individual bodies for rejuvenation of 185 lakes

In certain cases, there is chemical inflow as well. These factors, along with inadequate funding and lack of staff and interdepartmental synergy affect proper planning, Gehlot said.

She noted that a lack of technical knowledge, including a proper understanding of the geography and geotechnical aspects contributed to the slow development of lake rejuvenation.

“We have also set up a Bangalore Climate Action Plan within BBMP to work on a comprehensive plan to take up initiatives that have long-term effects. Seven sectors that we have identified to work on include transportation, energy and building, solid waste, water and wastewater, air quality, urban planning, greening and biodiversity and disaster resilience.”

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Addressing water situation in city

The BBMP has submitted its Community Involvement Lake Conservation Policy 2024 to the Karnataka High Court which on approval, will be rolled out to the public.

“While we await approval from the High Court, we are inviting corporates, individual bodies, or resident welfare associations to come forward with proposals to contribute in terms of assets and maintenance for the preservation and rejuvenation of lakes in the city, ” she said.

“Beautification is not the priority. Proposals must have clarity of funding along with the backing of a technical team, in order to start the screening process,” she said.

“Our focus is entirely on implementation. With proper planning along with various stakeholders in the next three to four months, we can make significant contributions towards solving the water crisis from a lakes perspective,” Gehlot said.

S Devarajan, President BCIC and Senior Vice President of TVS Motor Company pointed out that many water conservation initiatives have been put in place, but, there is still a lot to be done. “BCIC is glad to offer any support to BBMP to address the water situation in the city.”

Inviting proposals for both core and non-core work for lake preservation and rejuvenation, Gehlot explained that core components of lake rejuvenation work include fencing, desilting, main bund improvement, peripheral bund formation, removal of silt from inlet stream, nallah restoration, construction of wetlands for sewage treatment and water balance, construction of sluice gates, and outlet improvement.

Non-core works include the creation of amenities such as walkway improvements on the bund area, security, erection of gates and display boards, park area, children’s play area, open gym equipment, CCTVs, light poles, digital monitoring of water quality etc.

“For developed lakes, we invite proposals for the installation of aerators, floating islands to maintain biodiversity and introduction of fish into the lake,” Gehlot added.

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