Hebbal Lake
Why in News?
Hebbal Lake is in the news because of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is all set to begin work on the 2.28-km short tunnel project, which proposes using ~3.45 acres of lake/tank-bed land, cutting over 1,000 trees, and raising serious flooding, groundwater and ecological concerns—sparking protests, petitions, and a Karnataka High Court scrutiny.
Geography and Overview
- Location: Situated in the northern part of Bengaluru, Karnataka, at the junction of Bellary Road (NH-7) and the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
- Area: Spans a vast area of approximately 150 to 192 acres.
- Drainage Ecosystem: It forms an integral part of the Hebbal Valley drainage system, handling runoff from a 31.59 sq. km catchment area and forming a cascading network with the Mathikere and Nagawara lakes.
- Nature: It is a seasonal urban waterbody that typically recedes during summer months and fills up entirely during the monsoon season.
History and Antiquity
- Founding: Historically attributed to Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, who created it in 1537 alongside two other lakes by damming natural valley systems using bunds.
- Older Roots: Epigraphic evidence indicates the area is much older than 1537. The discovery of the Bhoopasandra inscription (dated to the 8th century CE) proves that human settlements and religious activities existed near the lake bund roughly 1,300 years ago.
Ecological Prominence and Biodiversity
- Avian Habitat: The lake is a premier bird-watching spot in Bengaluru, hosting numerous local and migratory birds.
- Key Bird Species: Notable species spotted here include the Spot-billed pelican, Eurasian spoonbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Baillon's Crake, River Tern, Shoveller, Pintail, and the Indian Spot-billed duck.
- Artificial Ecosystems: Two artificial islands were constructed during late-20th-century restoration phases to serve as safe nesting sites for birds and support a sustainable island ecosystem.
Threats and Current Rejuvenation
- Degradation: Over recent decades, the lake's condition suffered significantly due to severe water pollution, raw sewage inflows, plastic dumping, and unauthorized encroachments.
- Restoration Measures: The current restoration focuses on scientific desilting (partially backed by World Bank funding for city lakes) to enhance water storage, constructing improved inlet silt traps, and reinforcing peripheral bunds to reduce surrounding urban flood risks.
