Bellandur Lake in Karnataka is believed to be originally a tributary of the Dakshina Pinakini river (also known as the Ponnaiyar River).
The lake was constructed during the period of the Western Ganga Dynasty, who ruled between the 4-5th century to the 10th century CE.
Historian Dr. P V Krishnamurthy found the evidence of early human settlement along the bed of the Bellandur lake.
Area of Bellandur lake is about 916 Acres 17 Guntas.
Located at 12°56′3″N 77°39′46″E.
Bellandur Lake comprises of two weirs namely Bellandur Kodi and Yamlur Kodi.
Bellandur lake, which is one of the oldest and largest lakes in Bengaluru, was the lifeline for the surrounding 18 villages a few decades ago.
Old time residents of Bellandur village recall the good times when lake
was full and the land next to it fertile (till 1970s).
People used to cultivate paddy, grow vegetables like cauliflower and
tomatoes in abundance, and also do fishing.
Apparently, over 400 fishing families were living in this neighborhood.
The lake water then was used for irrigation as well as for drinking
purpose.
People of Bellandur and nearby villages used to celebrate the annual ‘Theppotsava (boat festival)‘ on this now infamous lake.
How did the Bellandur Lake in Karnataka get polluted?
- Multiple problems such as rampant water pollution, large-scale encroachment of land adjoining the water body, and negligence of the administration in maintaining the lake for the past last three decades, according to local people.
- Alteration of storm-water drains, disappearing canals, and dumping of waste is probably the highest at Bellandur or Yamalur lake in comparison to other lakes in the vicinity.
- The encroachment of lake-bed and storm-water drains (SWD) by realtors,
- Government agencies and private individuals have also contributed to the sorry state of affairs.
- The SWDs (storm-water drains), once 33-foot wide, had shrunk to three-four feet.
- Several villas, software parks have come up on SWDs. Once the 15-foot wide SWDs, according to the villagers, have been reduced to just three feet.
Who owns Bellandur Lake?
The lake falls in BBMP limits. However, Bangalore Development Authority
(BDA) is the present custodian of the lake with regard to rejuvenation.