Puttenahalli lake ( ಪುಟ್ಟೇನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕೆರೆ) is a small, restored freshwater lake located in JP Nagar 7th Phase, South Bangalore. The area of the lake is about 13 acres. The primary water sources are rain and surface water diverted to the lake through channels. The lake is currently maintained by
Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT)
The lake was on the brink of extinction, but due to the efforts of PNLIT, is now a haven for bird-watchers and on its way to being completely restored.

History and overview

For centuries, Puttenahalli lake was one of

Bengaluru Bangalore (), officially Bengaluru (), is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It has a population of more than and a metropolitan population of around , making it the third most populous city and fifth most ...

's pristine lakes. However, pollution and neglect turned it into a cesspool of garbage and sewage. PNLIT, a citizen's group then took the responsibility of conserving and revitalizing the lake. The primary mode of funding for the lake is through donations from local residents. Since then, PNLIT has organized many social events in conjunction with other similar bodies to promote the welfare of the lake and its flora and fauna.

Flora

The following are some trees and plants that grow around the Puttenahalli Lake *

Mahogany Mahogany is a straight- grained, reddish-brown timber of three tropical hardwood species of the genus '' Swietenia'', indigenous to the AmericasBridgewater, Samuel (2012). ''A Natural History of Belize: Inside the Maya Forest''. Austin: U ...

* Cadamba * Portia tree * Singapore cherry * Paradise tree *

Gmelina arborea ''Gmelina arborea'', (in English beechwood, gmelina, goomar teak, Kashmir tree, Malay beechwood, white teak, yamane ), locally known as gamhar, is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the family Lamiaceae. Distribution and habitat ''Gmelina arborea ...

* Badminton-ball tree * Pterygota alata (Buddha coconut) A full list can be found at the
PNLIT Page

Fauna

More than 80 species of birds, both non migratory and migratory, have been spotted at the lake, making it a bird-watcher's paradise. The birds spotted at the Puttenehalli Lake include : *

Indian spot-billed duck The Indian spot-billed duck (''Anas poecilorhyncha'') is a large dabbling duck that is a non-migratory breeding duck throughout freshwater wetlands in the Indian subcontinent. The name is derived from the red spot at the base of the bill that is ...

* Purple heron * Eurasian (common) coot * Indian pond heron *

Garganey The garganey (''Spatula querquedula'') is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and across the Palearctic, but is strictly migratory, with the entire population moving to southern Africa, India (in particular Santragachi), Banglades ...

Common kingfisher The common kingfisher (''Alcedo atthis''), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of ...

A full list can be found at the
PNLIT Page
Th
Puttakere hotspot
on eBird is being used to track the bird sightings at the lake.

Future plans

PNLIT is regularly working with the BBMP for future improvements to the lake and lake area. Karnataka Pollution Control Board ( KSPCB) approved a proposal to get excess treated water from a nearby sewage treatment plant to fill the lake with clean water again.{{Cite web , last=Yajaman , first=Arathi Manay , date=2015-05-23 , title=Milestone morning , url=https://blogs.citizenmatters.in/puttenahalli-post/milestone-morning-7376 , access-date=2022-12-31 , website=Citizen Matters, Blogs , language=en-GB Some part of the lake area is encroached by hutments and the Upa Lokayukta is working towards their rehabilitation. BBMP is cleaning and developing lake surrounded by park along with jogging track.

References

External links

PNLIT Website
Lakes of Bangalore