INSPIRING AND CREATIVE STORIES ON WHY

WE SHOULD REVERSE BIODIVERSITY LOSS

WITH REGARDS TO ITS CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONSEQUECES

Ronit R (India)
Honorable Mentions

The world knows Bengaluru as the IT and start-up capital of India. But amid the skyscrapers, highways, and apartments lie innumerable lakes most of which have been reduced to filthy landfills and dump yards. Once upon a time their clear waters were home to a variety of fishes and attracted countless species of birds but today, they have been chocked with construction debris and untreated sewage water. The IT boom undoubtedly has created more jobs and increased incomes but the reckless urbanization that followed it has destroyed the city's green spaces and lakes completely. In the past four decades, Bengaluru’s water bodies have reduced by a whopping 79% which has also impacted the biodiversity that once thrived in them .
     Thus, the story of 'Kaikondrahalli lake' is not an uncommon one. Located in the heart of South-East Bengaluru this lake until 2003 was surrounded by fruiting-trees and frequented by various birds, foxes, and non-venomous snakes. But as the real-estate around the lake started to boom builders flocked to the area smelling an opportunity to make a fortune. This marked the beginning of the end of this beautiful lake and all the species that called it their home. Builders regularly flouted regulations and all construction debris was dumped directly into the lake. By 2008, the lake had begun to dry up. Moreover, the lakebed was littered with playing cards, plastic wastes, and broken bottles of alcohol. This lake too had become a victim of rapid and unplanned urbanization and neglect. Additionally, the lake started to emit a foul smell which made it impossible for people to go near the water-body. Most importantly the lakes pollution destroyed the habitats of thousands of fish, foxes, snakes, toads and birds.
     But from here there is a twist in the tale. Residents around the lake were appalled and disgusted with the lake's condition. They were particularly concerned about the loss of habitat for the various birds and fishes. They longed for their usual morning walks around the beautiful lake, the chirping of birds and the cool breeze from it. They longed for the wonderful view they had once got from their balconies. But unlike many others, they decided to take matters into their own hands. One of the residents living around the lake happened to know about a proposed government-initiated rejuvenation program for the lake. This news was conveyed to various other residents in the area who showed keen interest in the rejuvenation program .Following this a small core group of local residents was formed, and this core group invited other members with expertise in specific aspects of planning relevant to the rejuvenation, including ecologists and architects, to join them .When the group contacted BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) which is Bengaluru’s administrative body they learnt that a plan for lake rejuvenation was already finalized in a DPR (Detailed Project Report). The group requested to examine the DPR which was immediately granted. This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between BBMP and the local residents. The group scrutinized the ecological and social aspects of the rejuvenation which needed to be better modified to fit local needs. For instance, the initial DPR included plans for an expensive, large ornamental garden landscaped with exotic flowering species. There was a consensus amongst the members of the group that this money could be better utilized in other ways. Following this the plan to develop an ornamental garden was removed from the DPR. Local residents contributed funds, and collected hundreds of saplings of native species for plantation around the lake. Moreover, the group took into account the requirements of cattle owning households from the nearby peri-urban localities. The core group of residents working with the BBMP had requested for a separate cattle entrance at one end, and a small enclosure that could serve as a cattle wash area. All these demands were also included in the final DPR. Thus, active participation by local residents not only ensured that the project was finalized keeping in mind the local needs but also increased pressure on BBMP to start the process of rejuvenating the lake as soon as possible.
     The rejuvenation process was started in 2009 and completed by 2011 in two-phases .After rejuvenation over the years local residents have seen wildlife and greenery flourishing around the lake .The lake today is home to more than 50 species of birds along with a rich variety of butterflies ,frogs ,toads and peacocks .Today the biodiversity has been successfully reversed .This lake after rejuvenation started  buzzling with activity with many people frequently visiting the lake to enjoy its natural beauty .Apart from this various events and competitions have been organized on the banks of the lake to raise awareness on various topics including the importance of biodiversity and water bodies in today cities .Moreover the rejuvenation of this lake has also led to a boom in  real estate with land prices around the lake skyrocketing .
     Not long ago this lake was avoided by people due to the foul smell it emitted. But today people from all areas of Bengaluru flock to it. The ‘Kaikondrahalli Lake’ is a shining example of the importance of water bodies and biodiversity in today’s concrete jungles. It is a testimony to the vital role of nature in our lives .This lake is one of the very few in Bengaluru to have been successfully rejuvenated .It shows us how important a lake is for the community both aesthetically and economically .Today the lake is not only a magnet for birds ,fishes and foxes but also for people who want a break -an escape from their daily mundane and stressful routines .It’s scenery ,the cool breeze and the chirping of birds never ever fails to refresh and calm one’s mind .Above all this lake stands for what a collaboration between the government and citizens can achieve.