Bengaluru: Byataguntepalya in northeast Bengaluru, Saneguruvanahalli in west Bengaluru, and Nandi Shettappa in the southern part of the city are names most Bengaluru residents are unlikely to recognise today. These were once lakes that disappeared under layouts, parks, and other developments. Now, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) wants to revive some of their flood-mitigation functions through a new initiative to create “floodable landscapes” across the city.
As part of an initiative of the GBA Climate Action Cell, 19 disused lakes across the city have been identified for intervention. Of these, eight have been completely encroached upon or have been diverted for layouts, stadiums, and parks, while some land is still available in the other lakes. Floodable landscapes are areas designed to temporarily store rainwater during heavy rainfall and release it gradually after the rain subsides.
Apart from lakes, other prominent flooding points have been identified for the project. Silver Jubilee Park near KR Market is one such spot. According to officials, around 2 acres within the park will be developed as a floodable landscape capable of holding excess rainwater for up to 48 hours. Authorities stressed that the park’s existing use will remain unchanged and that the designated area would be unavailable only for short periods during heavy rainfall.
GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao said the initiative would be implemented over the next two years. “The specifics on costs are still being estimated. We are confident of receiving funding for this,” he added. The concept also includes the use of bioswales, which are shallow landscaped channels designed to redirect stormwater and slow its flow. “By increasing the time taken for run-off to move through the drainage system, bioswales allow more water to infiltrate the ground and reduce the risk of flooding. Such interventions can be implemented even in lakes that have already been converted into parks,” Nithya J, GBA’s executive engineer currently with the Climate Action Cell, said.
Inspired by Traditional Methods
A senior GBA official involved in the project said the approach draws inspiration from traditional water-management practices that have existed in the region for centuries. “These are nothing but modern terminologies for ancient practices of storing run-off rainwater in agricultural ponds or ‘Krushi Hondas’ and making channels called ‘Paathi’s’ to improve irrigation,” the official said, adding that the engineers ideated this long ago, but had to deal with multiple levels of clearances and delays for this to be finally accepted. “The initiative gained momentum when the World Bank team mandated nature-based solutions as a key disbursement-linked indicator under its urban resilience programmes,” the official added.
Lakes to Help Mitigate Flooding
The following lakes have been identified for intervention: Konena Agrahara, Lingarajapura, Byataguntepalya, Shivanahalli, Anche Ramanna, Kamakshipalya, Saneguruvanahalli, Geddalahalli (RMV), Tavarekere, Karisandra, Chikkallasandra, Ittamadu, Nandi Shettappa, Doresanipalya, Bilekahalli, Arehalli, Vijinapura, Bovimaranahalli, and Gundopanth lakes.
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