Vibuthipura Lake is a
lake
A lake is an area filled with water, localized in a basin, surrounded by land, and distinct from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, although, like the much large ...
in the suburb of
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bangalore, India. Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the worl ...
, in the southeast of the city of
Bengaluru. The lake is the part of Bellandur-Varthur Lake series.
History
A lake in Vibhutipura was built by the
Hoysalas
The Hoysala Empire was a Kannadiga power originating from the Indian subcontinent that ruled most of what is now Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th centuries. The capital of the Hoysalas was initially located at Belur, but was later moved ...
(10-14th century).
An inscription from the 14th century describes the creation of a village and tank in the area.
The lake was maintained by the state forest department. Administration was handed over to
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and then
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and some infrastructural assets of the Greater Bengaluru metropolitan area. It is the fourth largest Municipal Corporation in India an ...
(BBMP).
Local populations became involved with the lake following sewage inflow, dumping and encroachment.
This resulted in a populist approach to governance of the lake.
Residential associations and Vibhutipura Kere Abhivridhi Mattu Samrakshane Samiti (VIKAS) have campaigned for lake restoration. Restoration activities have included construction of a walking path and construction of a fence. Recreational use has increased. The lake is seasonal. When dry, the lake bed was used for unofficial activities such as cricket and grazing. These have been highlighted in the media as well.
2023
In April 2023, there was extensive cleaning of
water hyacinths inhabiting the Lake. This led to its rejuvenation. The Lake filled with water, which is a sight to behold. It is unclear though how long this will remain. This is because sewage still flows to the Lake. The Sewage Treatment Plant, envisaged six years back is still pending completion. The walkway broken up during the weed removal is yet to be relaid.
Encroachment
A recent development which is of graver concern is a construction happening on the Lake property. The fence has been broken, concreting done and the walls are coming up. A gathering is planned at 8 AM on Sat, 17 Jun in the Lake premises for wider publicity and force authorities to take notice.
References
Further reading
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Lakes of Bangalore
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