Bengaluru Residents of Kasturi Nagar Revive Neglected B. Channasandra Lake
For over five decades, the B. Channasandra Lake in Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, lay abandoned and neglected, caught between governmental apathy and the forces of urban expansion. Once a vital waterbody spread across 19.17 acres, the lake shrank to a mere 6.2 acres after land was taken for railway projects in 1978 and 1981, as well as for a Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layout. The water inlet was blocked by the railways during track construction, and the BDA repurposed part of the land for urban development. What followed was a long battle between various government departments, ultimately leaving the lake in a state of decay and disuse. Yet, a group of determined local residents has now come together to breathe life back into this once vital waterbody.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kasturi Nagar Welfare Association (KWA), began in July 2024 when around 50 residents committed to a monthly contribution of ₹1,000. With this collective effort, they have so far raised ₹7.5 lakh. The funds have been used for vital tasks such as desilting the lake, clearing construction debris, and constructing a walking path for the public. Additionally, ₹4 lakh has been spent on fencing the lake, employing precast technology to secure the perimeter. Despite the lack of immediate government intervention, the residents are tackling the restoration with a spirit of community solidarity. They volunteer to clean up the area daily, removing garbage and planting saplings to rejuvenate the green cover.
The saga of this lake is emblematic of the growing challenges Bengaluru faces in balancing urban expansion with the preservation of natural resources. In 2010, the lake was transferred to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and shortly thereafter, the BBMP handed it over to the BDA. By 2019, the lake was once again under the BBMP’s jurisdiction. However, complications arose as the lake’s size had drastically reduced, and the BBMP refused to take responsibility, claiming it no longer met the criteria for a “lake” as per its records. This bureaucratic back-and-forth left the lake in limbo for several more years, with no clear direction for its restoration.
Despite these setbacks, the residents’ unwavering commitment has attracted support from external sources, including the NGO Hands on CSR, which has pledged ₹20 lakh towards the project. This funding, channelled through the CSR initiatives of a private company, will be used to implement advanced sustainability features. These include flood mitigation outlets, solar street lights along the walking path, and the development of three mini forests and a Miyawaki forest. A viewing deck will also be built, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the rejuvenated waterbody. These initiatives will not only restore the ecological balance but will also enhance the urban landscape, creating a peaceful green space for the local community.
In terms of sustainability, the restoration of B. Channasandra Lake is a crucial step towards combating urban environmental degradation. As cities like Bengaluru continue to face rapid population growth and development, the preservation and revival of such natural spaces are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and poor air quality. By reintroducing green areas like this lake, the residents are contributing to long-term urban sustainability, providing a model for other communities to emulate. This project highlights the importance of collective community action and local stewardship in ensuring that Bengaluru’s urban development doesn’t come at the cost of its precious natural resources.
