Bengaluru’s Choodasandra Lake, once plagued by encroachments, untreated sewage, and deteriorating water quality, has been transformed into a thriving ecological and community hub through a landmark corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Spearheaded by a leading global software technology firm in collaboration with environmental conservation experts, the two-year restoration project has redefined the role of corporate partnerships in urban sustainability. Launched in December 2022, the project focused on restoring the 26-acre lake by addressing key environmental challenges, including severe encroachments, unchecked sewage discharge, and the overgrowth of invasive weeds. The restoration efforts have not only improved the lake’s ecological health but have also enhanced the quality of life for over 3,000 households residing in the vicinity. The project was executed in meticulously planned phases, with each stage targeting specific ecological, infrastructural, and community-related concerns. These included desilting the lakebed to improve water retention, constructing bunds to prevent further encroachments, diverting sewage to protect water quality, and restoring biodiversity through the replantation of indigenous flora.
A pivotal aspect of the project was the creation of a natural wetland system, designed to act as a natural filtration mechanism. This involved the introduction of indigenous aquatic plants such as Nymphaea and Colocasia, which play a crucial role in improving water clarity and supporting aquatic life. Additionally, the construction of sewage diversion pipelines has significantly reduced the inflow of untreated wastewater, further enhancing the lake’s water quality. Biodiversity restoration was another key objective. The lake now supports a diverse range of species, including the return of the Ashy Woodswallow, a clear indicator of improved ecological conditions. The successful desilting process, combined with the replantation of native species, has revived the lake’s natural habitat, making it a haven for both flora and fauna. Infrastructure enhancements have complemented the ecological restoration. Strong bunds with 95% compaction have been constructed to protect against flooding and encroachments. Sustainable infrastructure elements, such as sluice gates and a traditional ritual tank known as a kalyani, have been installed to support both environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
The project also integrated community participation as a core component. Local residents actively engaged in clean-up drives, educational workshops, and maintenance activities, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship towards the lake. A formal Lake Association has been established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the restoration efforts, with ongoing community involvement in monitoring and conservation activities. Experts from the environmental monitoring team have highlighted the success of the project, noting the significant increase in water retention capacity from 84 million litres to 150 million litres benefiting thousands of households. The installation of water quality monitoring systems and sustainability measures like sluice gates ensures the lake remains resilient against future environmental challenges. In addition to environmental benefits, the restored lake has become a catalyst for community well-being. The development of walkways, cycling tracks, and eco-tourism initiatives, including bird-watching platforms, has transformed the area into a vibrant public space. This not only promotes physical activity and mental well-being but also contributes to local economic development through eco-tourism.
The Choodasandra Lake restoration project serves as a model for sustainable urban water management, demonstrating the transformative potential of CSR initiatives when combined with technical expertise and community participation. It stands as a testament to the power of collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges and fostering resilient, eco-friendly urban ecosystems.
Bengaluru Choodasandra Lake Transformed by CSR Project
