Ulsoor Lake drained for ₹4-crore mega desilting after 24 years, full revival in 3-4 months

Historic 108-acre Ulsoor Lake undergoes complete restoration as BCCC begins large-scale cleaning, reservoir upgrades, and walkway expansion.

Bengaluru’s iconic 108-acre Ulsoor Lake has been almost completely drained to begin a long-awaited comprehensive desilting and restoration project, marking the first full cleanup in nearly 24 years. The large-scale initiative is being carried out by the Bangalore Central City Corporation (BCCC) with financial support of ₹4 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).

To facilitate the work, engineers have diverted the lake water through an outlet, leaving the water level at around three feet. This step is necessary to begin cleaning the main reservoir, sedimentation tank, and Kalyani areas. Once the desilting work begins in the next two weeks, the lake will be entirely emptied.

At present, the lake receives 1.5 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Authorities have directed officials to explore the possibility of diverting this purified water into the main canal until the restoration process is completed.

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Fishing Activities Suspended, Stock Relocated

As part of the restoration plan, fishing operations in the lake have been temporarily halted. Around 120 fishermen from the Bangalore Fish Producers and Sellers Association, who have been managing fishing activities in the lake for the past 14 years, were instructed to remove all remaining fish stock by January 31.

With the water level dropping sharply, fishing using nets has become impossible. The remaining fish are being transported to safe locations, while fish fry will be released again once the lake refills after restoration. The fishing contract period will be extended to compensate for the development timeline.

Association Secretary Subbaiah said the last complete desilting was conducted in 2001-02. Although a partial cleanup took place in 2020, the association had faced heavy losses when newly released fish fry died due to water quality issues, which were later treated and resolved.

Environmentalists and morning walkers have welcomed the project, calling it crucial for the lake’s long-term health. A new pedestrian walkway has been developed from the RBANMS College area to the Fire Department Headquarters.

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Currently, public access is limited to one section due to the ongoing work. Once completed, pedestrians will also be allowed entry into the park area along Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, offering improved connectivity and recreational space.

Officials estimate the lake will take three to four months to refill after the restoration work is completed, paving the way for renewed fishing activity, improved water quality, and enhanced public access.