BBMP to construct second lake at Palace Grounds

BANGALORE: The State Government has granted permission to Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to construct a second lake at Palace Grounds.The Corporation that has been chanting the green slogan in the recent past has planned a number of initiatives related to environment conservation this year.Along with tree planting and rain water harvesting, development of lakes is also another responsibility of the Corporation.The Palike approached the Government seeking permission to implement this project and on August 5, 2011, the State Government sanctioned their proposal.Despite heavy rains in the city, the city corporation has not been able to conserve rain water effectively.Rain water collected in the Palace Grounds area floods the Cantonment and other surrounding areas."We can channelise this water back to the grounds and build another lake,” said Khandre, Public Relations Officer, BBMP.In keeping with the initiative to harness every drop of rain water, BBMP has also decided to implement rain water harvesting measures at Palace Grounds.Additionally they have also been given permission to revamp the existing lake in the area.Officials in the BBMP explain that in the 400 acres available within the Palace Grounds, rain water harvesting measures, if implemented well, will add to the city’s water quotient.Following the announcement that he has earmarked funds for water conservation in the BBMP budget, Commissioner Siddaiah instructed officials in the Palike to ensure that every open ground and garden in the city has made arrangements to harness rain water.FinedAt an inspection at C V Raman Nagar, Commissioner Siddaiah imposed a fine on  Nilgiri Bakery for throwing waste from the shop near the trees in the area. He imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the owner of the bakery.