Banaswadi Channasandra Lake Set for Revival as Community Leads Restoration Effort

Bengaluru: The Banaswadi Channasandra Lake in Kasturi Nagar, once a 19.17-acre waterbody, was left neglected for over 50 years. Now, in a strong community-driven effort, the Kasturinagar Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), along with NGO Hands On and Canada-based private company Conseillers en gestion et informatique (CGI), is working to restore it. After repeated requests to officials went unanswered, residents, with the help of the NGO, took matters into their own hands by starting to fence the lake’s buffer zone.

History

The Banaswadi Channasandra Lake shrank to about 6.2 acres after land was acquired for railway projects in 1978 and 1981, as well as for a Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layout. Over the years, the site remained abandoned, changing hands between government agencies before eventually coming under the ownership of the Forest Department.

Future Plans

The lake will have two outlets for flood mitigation, solar street lights along a walking path, three mini forests on the east, south, and southeast sides, and a Miyawaki forest on the west. A viewing deck will be built where visitors can get a panoramic view of the waterbody.

The restoration of Banaswadi Channasandra Lake is an important step in tackling environmental problems in growing cities like Bengaluru. As the city expands, protecting and reviving natural spaces helps reduce issues like flooding and air pollution. Bringing back green spaces like this lake supports long-term urban sustainability and sets an example for other communities. This project also shows how local residents can come together to protect nature and make sure that Bengaluru’s development doesn’t harm its valuable natural resources.