REPORT ON JAKKUR LAKE-

Jakkur Lake is a true example of human spirit and determination. The

200-year-old lake near Yelahanka, is spread across 60 acres with flocks
of exotic birds and relatively clear water. All of this was made possible by
the initiatives taken by Jalposhan. In the Jakkur model, a secondary STP
(sewage treatment plant), and a constructed wetland – comprising
aquatic plants and an algae pond – are integrated with the lake. The
nutrient-absorbing ability of wetlands is put to good use. Wetlands absorb
nutrients and pathogens in the effluent, and the resulting water is good
enough to drink after sun exposure and nominal filtering. Hence, not only
is the lake protected, residents nearby get good water too. The STP has
capacity of 10 MLD (million litres per day). Treated effluent from the STP is
released into the wetland spread across 11 acres, and then into the lake.
Along with the help of a few governing authorities, the Jalposhana Trust
has signed an MOU with the BBMP to undertake the maintenance of the
lake. Although the Karnataka Govt provides the basic infrastructure and
facilities, several volunteers and concerned citizens from neighbouring
areas, who are a part of Jalposhan, oversee the upkeep of the Lake.
Now with the intervention of various authorities and the brainchild of an
IISC professor, various sophisticated systems have been put into place to
ensure the quality of water is upheld. The main reason such steps were
taken was the disposal of sewage from the neighbouring households and
the drying up of streams that used to open up into the lake. Various
measures to ensure that the lake isn’t harmed solely due to human error
have been placed. The lake has been fenced from all the sides, plants and
trees have been planted on each sides to elevate the flora and fauna of the
place and to also provide habitat to birds of various species. More
measures to spread awareness and consciousness regarding the
importance of the lake have been taken, such as the Jalposhana’s
initiatives to engage with schools and colleges all over Bangalore. They
have artists from all over Bangalore coming over to perform as part of Jal
Tarang on every Sunday from 5-6, these performances are free for all. In
order to avoid various religious immersions and practices that pollute the
lake water, they have built a separate tank for them. One of the most
remarkable ideas implemented at the lake was the plantation of keystone
species of trees that are said to be sacred in Hindu scriptures; this has
created an awareness of fear amongst the people and keeps them from
cutting down these trees. Various annual and monthly events have been
introduced to keep people constantly aware of the importance of
protecting the lake. Events like Kere Utsav where people celebrate and
pray to the lake and Vanmahotsava where they have aggressive
afforestation drives during monsoon season,

As part of their drive to minimise the harm caused to the lake due to
human activity, they have also barred boating activities as they disturb the
various species of birds, fish and algae in the water and also lead to
pollution through waste dumped by boatmen and passengers. As part of
their awareness campaign, they plant trees and plants, they list down the
species and varieties of plants that they want planted around this lake and
also put a placard that clearly mentions their name and species to make
students and other visitors aware. Various scientific techniques and laws
have been put into place to yield better results. Their strategies regarding
the lake are very dynamic and change as and when required. The wetland
creation was the responsibility of a team of researchers when it was put
into place but the maintenance of the same too is a task in itself.

The entire model of the lake is clear proof that although we as a species
tend to harm nature and cause massive destruction, if we put our mind
and soul to it we are also capable of reversing this damage. Although
nature is self-sustainable and thrives on its own, when there is human
interference it tends to cause disruption in its course, therefore if we want
to reap the benefits from any of nature’s gifts we need to work tirelessly to
preserve it. Constant upgradation in the systems put into place to restore
the lake requires huge sum of tax payer’s money, in the end we as a
community have to pay for the damage done by us. It brings me to question
why we can’t work towards preserving nature’s gifts in the first place, why
must we wait for the damages to run so high that such drastic steps need
to be introduced to reverse the damage. It was the determination and
cooperation of the entire community that helped save Jakkur Lake but the
future of other lakes all over Bangalore and our country remains
uncertain and dim.
BEFORE
AFTER
Pictures from my trip to the lake in 2018
-MEDHA