Restoration Methods of Lakes and Tanks
Restoration Methods of Lakes and Tanks
Restoration Methods of Lakes and Tanks
Water is an important source of life for all living beings. The present water demand in Bangalore is 1450 MLD. Even with completion of Cauvery Water Supply Scheme Stage-4, Phase-2 the supply is only up to 1310 MLD.
INTRODUCTION
This difference between demand and supply can be solved by using alternate source of water like lakes and tanks. But unfortunately many lakes are in fairly advanced state of deterioration due to various reasons.
Now-a-days, as grounds are being leveled due to urbanization, water is flowing as "run-off" instead of seeping into soil. This reduces the ground water table, inturn resulting in drying up of tanks. Removal of vegetation in the catchment area "Eutrophication" due to industrial effluents and agricultural wastes "Siltation" of tank bed Drying of tanks for construction purpose Encroachment of dried tank lands Deforestation resulting in loosening of soil Dumping all garbage and sewage into the tanks Growing of weeds in the tank making it useless.
Some of the Lakes and Tanks previously dried for construction purpose
Name of the place/tank In Bangalore:
Nagasettyhalli Kadugondanahalli Kodihalli Challaghatta Dharmambudhi tank Millers tank Sampangi tank
Institution/Building
The Space department Ambedkar Medical College The Space department The KSTDC for a golf course Bus stand Residential layout Kanteerava stadium
Shuley tank
Koramangala tank
Football Stadium
Sports complex
It has lead to flooding of cities during heavy rains Scarcity for drinking water Damage to aquatic life. Due to developmental activities in the catchment area, the drainage connectivity between important wetlands have been lost. This has resulted in a loss and shrinkage of wetlands leading to the destruction and loss of habitat for flora, fauna and migratory birds. There has also been a depletion in the ground water table. The health hazards due to pollution of lakes result in enrichment of Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa, Spirochetes and Helmints. This in turn results in water borne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, paratyphoid, cholera, viral hepatitis, and worm infestations.
Cleaning the drains that bring storm water to the lake. Providing additional silt traps along the upper reaches of the drains. Providing bar screens at the mouth of the lake, for the drains. Immediate deweeding of the lake. Rearing special kind of fish which feed on dirt in the tank. Eg: Gambusia fish feed on mosquito larvae. Provision of dustbins around the lake. Posting of security staff around the lake to prevent dumping of garbage. Creating public awareness to keep the lake clean with the help of sign boards. Formation of a lake protection committee involving local people.
CONCLUSION
Restoration & Conservation of Lakes & tanks will be an asset to the society and also to the eco system. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial water needs can be fulfilled. It also leads to the development of lake areas into tourism spots, bird sanctuaries, parks, home of wild life etc; which in turn contributes to economy of a country.
WATER IS PRECIOUS SAVE IT SAVE WATER SAVE LIFE SAVE EARTH
REFERENCES
Lake Development Authority - Government of Karnataka www.karunadu.gov.in/lda/index.html. Living in the Environment. By G. Tyler Miller, Jr., Scott E. Spool man Restoration and management of lakes. By G. Dennis Cooke, Eugene B. Welch, Spencer Peterson, Stanley A. Nichols.