National Learning cum Exposure Visit to Bengaluru: Showcasing Best Practices of Used Water Management and Lakes Rejuvenation

Centre for Science and Environment organized a National Learning cum Exposure Visit to Bengaluru: Showcasing Best Practices of Used Water Management and Lakes Rejuvenation on 17-19 January, 2024. The visit was organized in association with CDD India and Biome Environmental Solutions Ltd. There were overall 14 participants coming from various states - Uttar Pradesh (09), Jharkhand (02), Haryana (02) and Delhi (01). These participants were from the government departments responsible for decisions-making and implementation, related to use water management and lake rejuvenation.

Day-1, 18 January, started with a walk around Mahadevpura Lake to explore 1 MLD Nature Based System. A small introduction session was done to break the ice between the participants and the facilitators. Mr. Harsh Yadava from CSE set the context about the exposure visit and handed over to Mr. Mohan,Senior Engineer, from CDD India. Mr Mohan explained about the lakes-history and need for its rejuvenation. Mr Andrew Jacobs from CDD also assisted in facilitation. In Mahadevpura the participants were able to witness the decentralized wastewater treatment systems linked to lake rejuvenation. The participants were also informed about the efficiently utilizing CSR funds. It was followed by participant’s questions about the site. The critical thoughts of the participants about ‘how natural is the treatment systems’ was thought provoking. The discussions held on the ground were carefully addressedby the CSE team to broaden the idea and visualize it in the respective local contexts.Mr. Mohan further explained about the challenges faced in implementation of the project with live drains; discovering broken sewer lines at the inlet of the lake; sudden heavy showers - from the early onset of monsoons; varying influent characteristics in both quantity and quality.

In second half of the day participants interacted with the decision makers and planners involved in Koramangala Valley drain project (K100 project). A small audio video session was organized byVenkatraman Associates (VA),Program Management Unit (PMU) of BBMP to give brief on the K100 project. The session was headed by Ms. Geeta, Executive Engineer from BBMP. After the video session,Ms. Amrita from VA gave the presentation on K100 project to explain the purpose, process, and progress of the project. She also linked it to current vision of AMRUT 2.0 and SBM 2.0. After understanding the theory of the K100 project the participants were taken to the actual project site at theD’souja Garden slum. There a small drain entering from the slum to Koramangala Valley drain, was getting treated by I&D-Dewats pilot done by CDD India. Participants appreciated the practical approach in I&D DEWATS implementation on ground.With its nature-based approach and minimal operations, I&D greywater treatment system hasbeen functioning for more than one year.

Day 2- 19 January, started with the visit to Jakkur Lake to understand the sustainable reuse of treated used water from a STP as a resource for rejuvenating Jakkur Lake through community participation. Spread in 1250 square kilometer area, the lake has its origin dated 1342 CE. The lake is fed from the adjacent 15 MLD STP based on MBBR + ASP process. Participants were first exposed to the STP, where they understood the treatment process and initiatives taken to maintain the outlet quality. Mr. AvinashKrishnamurthy, Director, Biome Environmental Solutions, set the context of the day and explained about the interventions and initiatives taken by Biome for rejuvenating and reviving lake bodies in Bengaluru. Participants visited all the treatment modules of the STP starting from electromechanical screens and ending at the tertiary treatment modules. The functioning and process at the STP was explained plant operator.

The lake was managed by community and CSR funds mobilized and managed by Jal Poshan- a non-profit local organization. They have a MoU with BBMP to collect and generate funds through CSR funding for rejuvenation of Jakkur Lake. Mr. Madhu, a representative from Jal Poshan, explained about the active involvement of the local community in regularly monitoring the lake activity, its health and quality. The local community helps in cleaning the lake, removing shells, grass cleaning and monitoring. Participants appreciated the efforts made on the ground which were a visible change.

In second half of the day the participants visited Devanhalli town to explore the DevanhalliLake adjacent to DevenhalliFort. It is part of a water sustainability project by Rotary Bangalore and Bengaluru Lake World, which also involves rainwater harvesting and lake rejuvenation

The project aims to provide clean and safe water to the residents of Devanahalli town and surrounding villages. It involves the construction of a water treatment plant, a distribution network, and a rainwater harvesting system. The project also seeks to improve the ecological health of the Sihineeru lake and its catchment area. The system uses filter borewells to collect and store rainwater in an open well. This is a way of conserving water and using it for various purposes.

The equipment includes a 130 micron disk filter, Multimedia Filter, UV System, and Chlorine Dosing system designed to treat a specific volume of water daily.

Narenur lake near Devanahalli Fort is filled with rainwater and secondary treated waste water from HebbalNagawara Valley (HN Valley). The water from the lake is then treated and supplied to the town along with borewell water.

Participants appreciated the efforts made by local community and BBMP for reviving Bengaluru’s water bodies. In the end of the exposure visit participants shared their feedback through google form facilitated by CSE team. We received a 360 degree excellent feedback and appreciation on facilitation, site selection, accommodation and travel.