More than 500 citizens and volunteers of ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign formed a human chain at Ulsoor Lake in the city
on Saturday to create awareness about the conservation of lakes.
The event was backed by locals and volunteers of various companies. United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), an affiliate of United Way Worldwide, has initiated ‘Wake the Lake’ which aims to assist the BBMP to restore and rejuvenate the city’s fading lakes which have been the victims of rapid urbanisation.
The organisers of the event said, the campaign, a year old now, has been successful in mobilising support from the key stakeholders of the city to save the lakes. Its volunteers have initiated rejuvenation works at Kaikondanahalli and Uttarahalli lakes. Speaking on the occasion, cricketer R P Singh said, “As citizens of the Garden City, we should all join hands to support the Wake the Lake campaign to address water crisis and other environment-related issues in Bangalore. This campaign is truly an inspiring movement. The restoration of our lakes is of prime concern as our city is also facing water shortage every day.”
Arif Ali of Ulsoor Residents Welfare Association commented, “I have hundreds of childhood memories associated with the Ulsoor lake. The narration of my childhood experiences to my children most of the times remains incomplete without the mention of Ulsoor Lake. There are thousands of
people living here who are emotionally attached with the lake. We are happy and excited that the BBMP is giving us an opportunity to engage ourselves in the rejuvenation of the lake.” Sabu Thomas, Chairman of United Way, said, “United Way Bengaluru launched this initiative last year to address the water situation in the city.”
He added, “Recent reports show that human beings are now consuming over 20 per cent more natural resources than the earth can generate, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), we will be left with only 78 litres of water per day per person in Bangalore, as opposed to the 150 litres required, by 2020. This alarming fact reiterates the need to act jointly with a sense of urgency. While the State Government initiates work to restore the dying lakes, it is our responsibility to take ownership of the lakes in our neighbourhoods. The Wake the Lake campaign creates an opportunity for everyone to play their role in saving the city’s precious lakes.”
Praxair India Pvt Ltd, a leader in Industrial gases, has joined hands with the campaign a corporate partner. Milan Sarkar, Vice President of the company, said, “Our team of volunteers will work closely with the local community in restoring the ecosystem of the lake.”