Budget prioritises lake conservation and storm-water drain management

Boosting Bengaluru's lakes with a ₹210 crore investment for restoration, pollution control, and biodiversity protection, enhancing water management citywide.

Bengaluru’s battered lakes, vital for groundwater recharge and biodiversity, are set to receive a boost with a ₹210 crore allocation in the BBMP budget. This investment will focus on restoration, pollution control, and security measures to protect water bodies across the city.

The plan includes strengthening boundaries and enhancing public access.

To promote ecological awareness, the budget proposes setting up bird repositories across all lakes which will serve as educational hubs for children, fostering awareness about local and migratory bird species. Additionally, they will contribute to a comprehensive bird database to support research and conservation efforts.

To tackle water scarcity, BBMP plans to implement rainwater harvesting systems in public buildings and spaces.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the World Bank, the Karnataka government has allocated ₹2,000 crore to enhance Bengaluru’s climate resilience. A significant project involves constructing retention walls along 174 km of storm-water drains to prevent rainwater from flooding densely populated areas. The World Bank is expected to release ₹500 crore for this initiative in 2025-26.

Further, ₹247.25 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund has been earmarked for permanent flood relief measures. Additionally, borewells and reverse osmosis plants within BBMP limits will be handed over to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board, along with pending funds, to ensure better water management.