The Role of the Army

in the Rejuvenation

of Ulsoor lake.

Meher Randhawa

Parveen Bharmal

Dr. P.U. Antoney

Christ University , Bangalore.

Introduction

Objectives of study:

1) To make a comparative study of the pollution levels in Ulsoor lake.

2) To acknowledge the role of:(a) The Army (M.E.G)(b) LDA (Lake Development

Authority)(c) BBMP (Bangalore Mahanagar

Palike)

3) To recommend different methods to maintain the lake.

Ulsoor lake-Study Area

Surface area 50 ha (123.6 acres)

Average depth 19 ft (5.8 m)

Max. depth 58 ft (18 m)

Shore length 13 km (1.9 mi)

Surface elevation 931 m (3,054.5 ft)

Problems faced by Ulsoor lake

•It forms a dense mat that interferes with

• navigation

• recreation

• irrigation

• It rapidly covers water bodies.

•The dense mat causes low oxygen regions beneath the mats.

• Good breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Water Hyacinth

Problems faced by Ulsoor lakeFloating waste pollution

•The main pollutant is non-recycled debris comprising :

• plastic bags

• water bottles

• sacks.

• Regular overflow of sewage

• Lack of civic sense.

Why did the Army take the Initiative?

• Ulsoor lake served as a venue for boat races

(for example: Regatta)

• It has been used for carrying out bridging and

'watermanship' training.

• Since the main HQ is located very close to the Ulsoor

lake, many recreational activities take place here.

• Aesthetic value

Role of other organizations

LDA (Lake Development Authority)

n A non-profit organization (July 2002)

n LDA played a role in

1) Restoring lakes.

2)Diverting/treating sewage.

BBMP (Bangalore Mahanagar Palike)

• The BBMP is now putting up a mesh to restrict waste.

• Removal of pollutants such as:

1) Plastics

2) Garbage

What did the Army do?Madras Sappers conceived a project called Shramdaan for completely de-weeding the lake and executed it successfully.

• 4,000 Army men from the MEG helped in clearing up the parasitic plants

•De-weeded the lake

•Removed waste pollutants, like:-

• plastic

• garbage

• hazardous material

• Maintains and cleans the lake regularly

Nualgi Technology

Results

Sl.no Parameters 1997 (December) 2010 (July-Aug)

1 pH 8.3 7.8

2 Temperature 21.0degC 26.5degC

3 Total BOD 38mg/l 25mg/l

4 Total COD 113mg/l 136mg/l

5 Nitrate - 0.6mg/l

6 Phosphate 1.3mg/l 0.2mg/l

7 Sulphate 18mg/l 18mg/l

8 Chloride 88mg/l 104mg/l

Analysis of Results

Taking BOD as indicator of organic pollution

•High Pollution:BOD > 6 mg/

•Moderate Pollution:BOD = 3-6 mg/l

•Relatively clean:BOD < 3 mg/l

Recommendations

n The Army should be involved in the restoration of other lakes.

n Starting publicity and awareness program in the area around the lake.

n Construction of various parks around the lake for recreation

n Civic sense and responsibility.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to:

n M.E.G – Major General Jose Manavalan

Col. Pradeep Jadeja

Superintendent Deepak Berry

n BBMP- Chief Executive Engineer, Mr. Satish Kumar

n LDA- Chief Forest Conservator, Mr. C.V.Singh

n Christ University- Dr. P.U. Antoney

n Indian Institute of Science- Lake 2010.