Bengaluru's Ulsoor Lake Desilting Sparks Controversy Over Depth
The desilting of Ulsoor Lake in Bengaluru has sparked controversy among lake conservation activists, who argue that the current depth of 0.6 metres is insufficient. The ₹107 crore rejuvenation project, which includes the desilting of the 106-acre lake, has been undertaken by the Bengaluru Central City Corporation.
According to V. Ramprasad of Friends of Lakes, a geotechnical study should have been conducted to determine the amount of silt sedimentation accumulated, and the extent of desilting should have been determined accordingly. A senior official from the Bengaluru Central City Corporation conceded that the initial proposal was to desilt the lake by 1 metre, but budget constraints and the cost of transporting the excavated silt led to a reduction in the desilting depth.
The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority-approved Detailed Project Report proposes desilting by 0.6 metres, although another officer noted that the extent of desilting varies depending on the area of the lake, with an average depth of 0.6 metres. R. Rajagopalan, convenor of the Bengaluru Coalition, has lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta over alleged irregularities in the rejuvenation project.
The silt removed from the lake bed is being dumped in an empty quarry pit used as a landfill in Mittanagahalli, due to the high amount of plastic waste in the silt. The civic body will continue with the rejuvenation project, with activists likely to pursue their complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta.