BENGALURU: It was a fun-filled day for the residents of Bellandur as the neighbourhood came alive with a lake festival seeing participation from across age groups.
It was the first Bellandur Kere Habba that was organised on Saturday by volunteers from Bellandur. They sought to bring together all stakeholders and to raise awareness and participation from the public and seek their support to revive the lake.
Held at an open ground near the Hawk stadium, the habba had a number of events from yoga to walks to Zumba being organised. Besides, sessions involving experts from various government and non-government forums were held.
From adults to children, those from different walks of life did their bit to draw attention towards the lake. Children played with colours as they participated in painting, canvas art, terrace gardening, clay Ganesha modelling at the event.
Visitors even had a chance to get a glimpse of what the lake looked like just three decades ago. An exhibit of photographs by an enthusiast, Praveen Singh, that were taken three years ago was on display.
Seema Sharma, member, Bellandur Citizens Committee said it was a combined effort by all residents that made the exhibition possible. “Residents took pictures of the lake as it appeared from their windows and it was put up. Indian Institute of Science also had their photographs on display,” she added.
Authorities from the Bangalore Development Authority also had their photographs on display. “They displayed photos phase wise to show their work on the lake,” she said. There was a high-powered panel discussion involving authorities, academicians and civic bodies to discuss the status of the lake rejuvenation.
The session addressed issues pertaining to the lake, options available for rejuvenation, status of work and the role of various stakeholders and civic bodies. Academicians also indicated that the lake could be completely revived in a span of three years with cooperation of all stakeholders.
Environmentalist Dr Yellappa Reddy sought the BBMP’s help to form school committees and ward-level children’s committees as per law. “With the formation of these committees, a platform is created where officials can interact with children. Ideally, children question the authorities about the problems concerned in each of the areas and the authorities concerned are expected to give them an explanation,” he said.