Mahadeva Kodigehalli lake gets new lease of life

BENGALURU: With the city facing acute water shortage, there is a greater awareness to revive the water bodies and many corporate have taken up various initiatives in this regard.

Mahadeva Kodigehalli Lake, which had provided water to the people of Vidyaranyapura, Kodigehalli and Bommasandra villages, had almost dried up nearly 18 years ago.

The rejuvenation efforts carried out by Shell in the Mahadeva Kodigehalli Lake has now increased its water holding capacity. It now holds 620,750 gallons of water and the water table in the area has also increased. Earlier one to dig up to 1,300 feet to find water, but now it is available at 600 feet. In addition, this has also restored paddy farming in adjoining areas.

People living in the vicinity of the lake were heavily dependent on water tankers, for which they had to stand in a long queues every morning. The frequent dumping of waste material in the lake had led to blockage of the water inlet channels.

The restoration activities carried out by Shell included desilting, dredging and widening the inlet water channels to the lake. They also built rain water percolation pits at the inlet channel that ends into the lake.

The company boasts that its lake revival efforts have led to the reverse migration of farmers to villages, as the eco-system of the village has been improved.

According to the company after the rejuvenation, the water quality of the lake was tested and the results showed that it was fit for drinking.

As part of the second phase of restoration, the company plans to carry out bio fencing of the lake.