The residents of Pai Layout and surrounding areas expressed joy about the rejuvenation of the lake and basic amenities available for children and senior citizens. They said the lake was in a bad condition a few years ago.
However, the four rural taluks fared better. Only one out of the four taluks (Anekal) recorded a drop of this magnitude in the water table. While the groundwater level in Hoskote has come up by 4 metre below ground level, in Doddaballapur and Devanahalli, the water table has improved by nearly 2 metre.
These developments follow the publication of two articles by the Bangalore Mirror on October 11. These articles, titled “Let the lakes be.” and “What an idea! Draining a lake to desilt wetland,” highlight the concerns of residents regarding Benniganahalli Lake, a celebrated model lake in the city and how lake activists insisted on stopping draining water from Seegehalli Lake as it is needed to water the plants and trees around the lake bund.
Bangalore Mirror published a story – Weeds to water sports – on March 27 and another story – Lake faces toxic trespass – on June 20. Now, it is again in the news. This time, the water body has become a convenient place to immerse Ganesha idols for some.
The vacant site between the Royal Heritage apartment complex and a business complex on Old Madras Road is overrun with weeds and garbage. It has become an unofficial dumping ground for all types of waste, including tender coconut shells.