Puttenahalli Lake Revival Stalls as Agreement Lapses

The Puttenahalli Lake in Bengaluru, which was revived through a citizen-led effort in 2010, is showing signs of decline after the expiry of a maintenance agreement between the local trust and the civic body. Residents and members of the Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) say the absence of a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has reduced their ability to maintain the waterbody and its surroundings.

The PNLIT had signed an MoU with the BBMP in 2011, allowing the trust to carry out upkeep, organise activities, and respond to issues without seeking prior permission each time. The agreement also gave the trust credibility to raise funds from external organisations. Under the MoU, the trust spent about ₹8 lakh annually on maintenance, employing gardeners and installing a drip irrigation system.

However, the MoU was not renewed, and since then, the trust's role has been limited to activities any visitor can perform during public hours. Occasional clean-up drives continue, but the trust cannot undertake major interventions or work outside visiting hours without permissions. Arathi Manay, Managing Trustee of PNLIT, noted that the change has curtailed their flexibility and impact.

Usha Rajagopalan, co-founder of PNLIT, said the trust now functions largely as a group of interested citizens rather than a formally recognised body. The authority to carry out maintenance no longer rests with them. As a result, areas that were once green spaces are now covered with dried leaves and withering vegetation. The drip irrigation system is non-functional, and several plants have died due to lack of regular watering.

Regular visitor Narayana G., who has been coming to the lake for 13 years, said the deterioration has been noticeable over the past six months. He reported a decline in bird activity, particularly migratory birds that used to visit during winter, attributing this to the poor condition of tree cover and the waterbody.

The PNLIT was formed in 2010 after the BBMP rejuvenated the lake. Initially a watchdog group, it became actively involved in maintenance to prevent the lake from relapsing into neglect. The trust's efforts had transformed the lake into a community hub, with activities such as supplementary classes for nearby students and regular community gatherings. Rajagopalan said the goal was to build a sense of ownership among residents.

While the trust continues to engage with the lake, members say the current situation has reversed many of the gains made over the past decade. The lack of a formal agreement has left the lake's future uncertain, with community participation reduced to a fraction of what it once was.