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Karnataka Bellandur Lake
This lake lies to the southeast of the city of Bengaluru, previously known as Bangalore. It is the largest lake in the city. Though, it is known as a lake, it is basically the part of the Bellandur drainage system. This system is for clearing the South and Southeastern part of the city. The lake functions as a receptor from the three chains of lakes upstream and covers a total area of 148 square kilometers or 37,000 acres. The water from this lake then flow to another lake named Varthur Lake in the east of the city. Eventually, the whole water flows down to the Pinakani river basin.
Currently, the lake is highly polluted with sewage water. Not only that, the lake is actually getting changed into a drain with time. All this is the result of urbanization. There are various movements and protests going on to restore the lake to its previous glory, and as a result various projects have been undertaken. Despite all these irregularities and negativities, the lake still has a huge beauty to offer to the visitors. This is the reason that the lake still draws a lot of tourists even these days. Needless to mention, that, the lake is still one of the major attractions of the city.
History
The lake of Bellandur is about 130 years old and is about 921 meters above the sea level. Though it is called a lake because of the huge area it covers, but in reality, it is a water tank. It has been adapted as a part of the Bellandur drainage system later, before that the water of the lake was used for drinking and doing all the other daily works. In the 1970s more than 18 villages used to depend on the lake for their living. But, things started to change for the 1980s. the drainage system broke down and a huge amount of unrestricted industrial sewage got into the water and things turned ugly.
In 1996, a petition was filed by the Bellandur Gram Panchayat with the High Court to stop the pollution of the lake. Then in 1997, fishermen groups also filed another petition. In 1999, the High Court ordered the BWSSB to provide fresh and portable water to the people of the area. From 2006 onwards various movements are going on to restore the lake to its previous glory and pristine position. The job is too tough, not only that, the whole process is too time consuming.
Attraction
The main attraction of the lake is still the water and the also the covering of the hyacinth weed. It may not seem like a very interesting or very beautiful sight from reading the description, but when you will visit the place, you will be able to get the real beauty of the lake. The sun set in the water of the lake is still stunning. Though, there isn’t any kind of water sport or boating facilities available in the lake, still it has been able to retain its beauty and its mesmerixzing quality.
How to Reach
Reaching Bangalore or Bengaluru is pretty easy. This city is famous as the cyber city of the country and is connected by air,road and railroad with all the major cities of the country. You can take a flight or train or even hire rented car to reach the city. Within the city, you will be able to avail the local transports like a taxi or auto or even a rickshaw and reach the lake. If you want, then you can also opt for the government bus service. Reaching the lake will be easy if you have a GPS enabled phone.
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