Floating gardens set to bloom in Bengaluru’s Lalbagh, inspired by Srinagar’s Dal lake

The Karnataka horticulture department is introducing a floating garden project at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, drawing inspiration from the famed floating gardens of Dal Lake in Srinagar.

The initiative, which follows a successful pilot at the garden's Lotus Pond, is expected to enhance both the aesthetics and water quality of the lake.

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Unlike the traditional floating gardens of Dal Lake that rely on natural vegetation, the Lalbagh model will use man-made structures. These floating platforms, made of plastic and supported by PVC pipes, are designed to hold plant seedlings. The department has chosen Canna indica (Samudra Baale) for its robust root system, which can reach depths of up to 2 meters. These roots absorb nutrients directly from the water, promoting purification through transpiration.

The pilot project, implemented at a cost of ₹3 lakh, has demonstrated promising results in the Lotus Pond. Encouraged by this, the department now plans to place up to 25 floating bases in the main lake, showcasing vibrant varieties of Canna indica.

Currently, horticulture experts are constructing platforms in various sizes, with three to five planned for the Lotus Pond and more for the main lake, aiming to transform the waterbody into a floating garden display.