Published in Dwarka Express on 21.1.23

Allow unscientific de-weeding: Unmindful de-weeding kills micro-organisms like algae, phytoplankton and zooplankton which are rich in nutrients. Unscientific de-weeding removes Vallisneria and other useful algae and leads to deterioration of the quality of water and imbalance of the ecosystem, leading to the disturbance of the food chain. Every living organism needs food, why don’t we realise this basic fact?

Allow Unauthorised Fishing: Water is for fishing, why can’t this be allowed? The birds or natural fishing within limits do not disturb the eco balance. But lakes, mostly urban lakes, which are very natural, rainfed are useful in recharging the water table depends on sustainability. Fishes play an important role

Concretize bunds: Quite often, an urbanite can see that the lake bunds are cemented or concretised. In olden times lakes were formed due to natural depression in land mass and thus the drained-out rainwater accumulates somewhere and form the natural waterbody.  Storm water drains have become a important link. But concretised bunds are detrimental to the natural waterbodies. The bunds are concretised to enable walkers to feel comfortable, but they really miss the natural heel therapy by walking in uneven terrain

Make the lake a picnic spot: With boating facilities, food courts and children play areas, the modern lifestyle may be boosted but the lakes will simply become a picnic spot, relegating the importance of the water resource management to backseat. In the process, the aquatic life is disturbed unfortunately. It is a slow poison and its impact become visible after years

Plant exotic species: Tree planting has become a fashion rather than a passion. Often exotic species of trees, mono culture and ornamental plants beautify the bunds. Either they perish or disturb the local eco balance. Plants like lantana have mushroomed out on many areas. Partheniums and other dangerous weeds are common scene.

Connect sewage lines: Rainwater drains have turned into sewers of late. Stormwater drains are either clogged or encroached upon by building mafias. Often, one can notice that residential sewers are connected to nearby waterbodies. Untreated water pours into the waterbodies harming the aquatic life.

Remove grasslands: In the eyes of myopic politicians, blinkered real estate mafia and bigoted bureaucrats, grasslands and scrub jungles are waste lands and need to be removed. But these are important links in the ecosystem and helps in energy flow and nutrient cycling. Abundant abiotic and biotic components of the grasslands are instrumental in lake ecosystem succession and development.

Permit constructions: In buffer zones of lakes, construction is not permitted. In Karnataka it is 30 meters around the lake in which no construction should come up, and in most of the lakes, one can see the violations. Most of the lake view apartments are lack of this wisdom, and all apartments throw the untreated water into the lake. The rainwater drains from residential areas have conveniently turned into sewage drains

Avoid desilting of inlets/outlets: Lakes are interconnected through rainwater drains, which are unauthorisedly used for letting out sewerage water from commercial and residential areas. Often, one can find the inlets and outlets clogged due to sedimentation. Inlets and outlets become an easy breeding ground for the mosquitos and other pests. Stagnant grey water speeds up the process

Allow light & sound This is the most cosmetic way to scare away birds and animals. Beautification is an ugly word for lake management and ensuring 24 hours accessibility in fenced lakes result in unlawful activities. Sound and lights add to pollution and results in disturbing the placidity and tranquillity of aquatic life

So…urban lakes are the easy victims for man-made destruction and the above are some of the tips to destroy lakes and the choice is ours!