BWCC to Revive Hosakerehalli Lake in West Bengaluru After Three-Year Delay
On Thursday, officials from the Bengaluru West City Corporation (BWCC) conducted a site inspection of the neglected Hosakerehalli Lake in West Bengaluru, pledging a phased restoration of the water body after a three-year delay.
The inspection followed repeated appeals from local residents. The rejuvenation project, originally initiated more than three years ago by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) — now the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) — was abandoned shortly after it began due to funding constraints.
According to BWCC officials, Hosakerehalli Lake originally spanned 59 acres and 26 guntas. A preliminary inspection revealed that nearly 6.5 acres of the lake have been encroached upon, including approximately 0.5 acre by government agencies. Several court cases regarding these encroachments remain pending. The corporation plans to submit a representation to the government to remove all encroachments and restore the lake to its original size.
As an immediate step, the BWCC will secure the lake perimeter. Officials have approached the NICE authorities to barricade the stretch adjoining NICE Road, while chain-link fencing will be installed around the entire lake. Access will be restricted to two entry and exit points, with one on the RR Nagar side and the other on the Padmanabhanagar side. Four Home Guards will also be deployed to provide round-the-clock security to prevent further dumping and encroachment.
Responding to requests from residents who participated in the inspection, officials stated that a walking path around the lake will be developed using the corporation’s own funds. Preliminary works, including the fencing and walking path, are expected to commence within a month.
The wider lake rejuvenation project was previously sanctioned by the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) at an estimated cost of Rs 12.5 crore. Although launched by the BBMP in 2023, the project stalled amid funding shortages.
To resume the work, BWCC has directed officials to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) based on the current Schedule of Rates. Dr K. V. Rajendran, Special Commissioner of BWCC, stated that the corporation is exploring funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or grants from the Chief Minister’s Office. The phased work will include desilting, bund strengthening, and constructing a sewage treatment plant (STP).
Local residents expressed hope that the restoration will recharge depleted groundwater and revive local borewells. "A healthy lake means a healthy ecosystem," said Hosakerehalli resident Rachana... Ravi, noting that the project would improve air quality and provide a cleaner environment.
