Bengaluru: Yelenahalli Lake was all lit up with diyas Saturday as residents celebrated the waterbody's third Ganga Aarathi to mark its restoration.
What began as a fight to save the lake has transformed into an annual celebration for three years now. Every time the lake is filled with water, diyas are lit on its banks highlighting the community's unique way of marking their victory in the conservation efforts.
The small waterbody, located at Akshayanagar, Begur, in Bommanahalli zone, south Bengaluru, is spread over 5 acres. The lake is known for attracting a wide variety of birds.
The rejuvenation of the lake, which sees a lot of footfall, is credited by local residents to volunteers, now designated as Kere Mitras by BBMP, for their tireless job of getting the restoration done with the civic body's help.
The volunteers recall how the waterbody was covered with bushes. The lake had sewage inflow and had no bund or grill to protect it. The lake banks were mostly used as a dumping yard for neighbourhood garbage, and cattle were found lazing around. From 2011, Begur and surroundings witnessed focus on the rejuvenation of waterbodies. In 2020, Yelanahalli Lake began seeing sustained efforts as it was cleared of garbage, got a bund and was fenced.
Ramesh Kumar Bannur, one of the early lake warriors in Akshayanagar, told TOI, "When I came here, there was no lake at all, and it was more or less a garbage pit… and now we have a waterbody in our area that is free of encroachment and free for the public." "Ganga Aarathi is the respect we show to our water," he added.
G Chinnadurai, another local volunteer, said, "That the footfall at the waterbody is increasing by the day is our biggest victory."
Ravindra Anatpur, another volunteer, said he chose the southern part of Bengaluru to settle down only because of its landscape, waterbodies and greenery. "But when I came here, the scene at the lake was totally different, and after its transformation, I would say nothing will happen unless the citizens gear up and get things done along with the authorities."