Why to Preserve Lakes

The necessity of lake preservation is more pronounced in the context of urbanization, when city takes more and more villages into its fold as in case of ever- growing Bangalore City. Urbanization leads to conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural purposes. But it doesnot mean that the lakes that irrigated these lands have lost their utility to the community.

• Lakes have a greater role to play in urbanized areas to capture rainwater efficiently to facilitate ground water recharge, which is an absolute requirement.
• Lakes are the lung spaces of a city and climate moderators adding to thermal ambience.
• Lakes have a direct bearing on the quality of life in urban areas.
• Lakes support aquatic and semi-aquatic eco-systems and conservation of lakes is important to conserve biodiversity of flora and fauna unique to the
        aquatic/wetland ecosystems. Local and migratory birds depend on these lakes for food and perching.
• Proper maintenance of lake series and connected Raja Kaluves /Strom Water drainages will prevent flooding of areas as is happening in the city in an increased
        manner in recent years.
• Lakes have a great recreational value in urban setting.

​Functions

Functions of BBMP Lakes Development Authority:

• To exercise regulatory control over all the lakes within its jurisdictions including prevention and removal of encroachment of lake.
• ​To protect, conserve, reclaim, regenerate and restore lakes to facilitate recharge of depleting ground water by promoting integrated approach with the assistance
        of concerned Government departments, local and other authorities.
• To take up environmental impact assessment studies for any or all lakes.
• To take up environmental planning and mapping of lakes and their surrounding areas with the help of geographical information system and prepare database and
        atlas of lakes and their catchments.
• To prepare a plan for integrated development of lakes.
• To improve and also create habitat (wetlands) for acquatic biodiversity, water birds and aquatic plants for reducing sullage water and non-point sewage impacts.
• To facilitate for impounding storm water drainage system, reduce or remove siltation of lakes by taking up appropriate soil and water conservation measures
        including afforestation and to augment recharge of ground water aquifers and revive bore-wells.
• ​To improve and monitor water quality, conserve lake ecology on need basis and to protect them against domestic and industrial pollution.
• To utlize or allow to utilize the lakes for the purpose of drinking water, fishing, irrigation, education or tourism or anynother purpose as the Authority may
        determine.
• To encourage participation of communities and voluntary agencies to launch public awareness programmes for lake conservation, preservation and
        protection of lakes.
• To advise on any matter that may be referred to it by the Government or any institution.
• To promote integrated and co-ordinated applied research on all the relevant issues pertaining to lakes.
• To do such other acts as the Authority may consider necessary, conducive or incidental, directly or indirectly, to achieve the object of this Act.