Spanning throughout 15.16 acre in Bangalore South, the Uttarahalli Lake falls within the Vrishabhavathi valley lake sequence. Specialists level out that regardless of being a serious lake, the poor water high quality isn’t conducive for the biodiversity in and across the lake.
Whereas 2.14 acre of the lake has been encroached for the federal government tasks, in line with officers of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the survey to find out the kind of encroachments is but to be carried out.
Specialists level out that regardless of being a serious lake, the poor water high quality isn’t conducive for the biodiversity in and across the lake. (Specific Photograph by Jithendra M.)
Raghavendra B Pachhapur, Programme supervisor with ActionAid Affiliation, India, stated, “The lake water is filled with algal bloom (water color turns inexperienced and is an indicator that Eutrophication has begun). Eutrophication occurs when giant quantities of vitamins enter the lake waters as a consequence of sewage.”
He added, “Presence of numerous catfish within the lake means it’s much less seemingly that different species of fish exist. Catfish are primarily omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They had been additionally seen gasping for air. If the current situation continues for lengthy, it’s seemingly that even the catfish inhabitants will probably be misplaced.”
Pachhapur steered that BBMP ought to take up bio-remediation measures to scale back the nutrient load within the water or take measures to introduce contemporary rainwater or handled water to the lake.
2.14 acre of the lake has been encroached for the federal government tasks, in line with BBMP officers. (Specific photograph by Jithendra M.)
Providing his insights in regards to the lake, he added that the Sewage Therapy Plant (STP) on the lake is non-functional. “STP comes with greater funding and is a welcome initiative for any lake ecosystem in city areas. Allow us to not overlook that it additionally comes with the accountability of upkeep. BBMP ought to take up STP, provided that it could possibly present adequate funds for each preliminary funding and upkeep.”
He additional stated, “We all know that completely different streams, each small and large, contribute to lakes in the course of the rains. BBMP, as part of the lake rejuvenation Detailed Venture Report (DPR), ought to determine streams becoming a member of the lake and make satisfactory constructions to hyperlink them to the lakes whereas trapping silt and trash. That is sustainable and improves the water high quality of the lakes.”
Raghavendra B Pachhapur, Programme supervisor with ActionAid Affiliation, India, stated, “The lake water is filled with algal bloom (water color turns inexperienced and is an indicator that Eutrophication has begun). (Specific photograph by Jithendra M.)
He additionally cited the instance of the Doddakallasandra Lake which now harnesses rainwater after its rejuvenation.
He identified that unused fishing nets are deserted on the Uttarahalli Lake which might be deadly for the birds and aquatic species.
“Final week an Oriental darter was discovered with its beak trapped in a fishing internet. Whereas we tried to rescue the fowl, it flew away. These cases within the lakes have gotten frequent due to fishing contracts offered in Bengaluru. Unused fishing nets or trash nets are left both on the banks or within the water and might be deadly for birds and different aquatic animals. The fisheries Division ought to be aware of these and educate the fishing communities for wholesome practices,” Pachhapur stated.
Pachhapur steered that BBMP ought to take up bio-remediation measures to scale back the nutrient load within the water. (Specific photograph by Jithendra M.)
Biodiversity round Uttarahalli Lake
Over the past 5 years, a complete of 87 species of birds have been recorded in and round Uttarahalli Lake. Pachhapur stated, “The 2 smaller and two comparatively greater islands look like an added benefit. Wild and fairly good vegetation with fruits within the islands could have attracted the birds.”
He added, “Seven Evening Herons had been seen other than one Oriental Darter, and a White Breasted Kingfisher on October 9 this 12 months. 4 species of butterflies — Frequent crow, Plain Tiger, Blue Tiger and Frequent Castor — had been seen in bigger numbers across the vegetation too.”