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Agara Lake to regain its lost glory

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There is good news for the residents of HSR Layout, and other areas which are reluctant to visit Agara Lake for a stroll. It is known that Agara Lake is not conducive for health-conscious people to take a walk.
The Lake Development Authority (LDA), has entrusted Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the restoration of Agara Lake. If all goes well, the DPR is expected to be ready within two months. The LDA has agreed to pay Rs 8.50 lakh to the Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited for preparing the DPR. "We will submit the proposal to the state government for the restoration of Agara Lake after receiving the DPR. All the necessary infrastructure will be provided at Agara Lake,'' said CK Shivappa, Chief Executive Officer, LDA.

Meanwhile, Agara Lake Protection and Management Society (AGPMC) has submitted a proposal for the restoration of Agara Lake. The AGPMC has demanded that the LDA increase the height of the fence around the lake in order to avoid miscreants entering the lake. "The walkway needs to be developed and be fit for all kinds of weather. Solar lighting needs to be provided. A provision for using electricity from the grid as a backup measure, especially during cloudy days may also be considered,'' the AGPMC suggested.
It may be recalled that Agara Lake was spread to 145 acres some decades ago. Now, its size has been reduced to 95 acres (water body: 60 acres and park and pathway: 35 acres). The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) spent Rs 8 crores, and handed it over to the LDA, which in turn handed it over to Biota Natural Systems, a Hyderabad-based company in 2006.

After hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) opposing privatisation of lakes, the High Court canceled the pact between the LDA and Biota Natural Systems and asked the LDA to take measures for the development of Agara Lake.
Chief Minister Siddramaiah visited Agara Lake in September last year and directed the LDA officials to prepare a plan for its restoration. The LDA and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) planned to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the lake, but some residents of HSR Layout opposed the proposal. They urged the LDA officials to protect the lake and take up other development activities. "We have succeeded in convincing them about the need of setting up a STP at Agara Lake,'' said the CEO of LDA.

Welcoming the LDA's initiative to prepare the DPR, Munivenkatappa GN, president, AGPMC, said the residents of HSR Layout would be very happy if the LDA completes the restoration of Agara Lake as early as possible. "Now, it is difficult for people to visit the lake for a walk. The stench emanating from stagnated sewage water makes it difficult for people to walk on the walkway,'' said Munivenkatappa.
Speaking to dna, Suresh B, secretary, AGPMC, said earlier that he was of the opinion that STP was not required at Agara Lake. "But after studying the practical problems in getting good water to lake, we have changed our stand and now majority of us want a treatment plant,'' Suresh Said.

The proposed STP would have the capacity to treat three million litres per day (MLD). "It is expected to cost the BWSSB Rs 30 crores. "We have submitted the proposal to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). We will float the tender after receiving the clearance from the JICA. The successful bidder has to bear the cost of operation and maintenance of the STP for seven years,'' VC Kumar, Executive Engineer, BWSSB said.

y.reddy@dnaindia.net
 

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