Tumkur is popularly known as Kalpataru Nadu or “the land of coconut trees” due to the presence of a large number of coconut trees in the region. With an average annual rainfall of 39 inches, Tumakuru’s landscape is a mix of diverse ecosystems. A range of mountains, reaching heights of nearly 4,000 feet, cut across the district from north to south. Thus forming a watershed between the systems of River Krishna and River Kaveri. The Jayamangali and Shimsha rivers are the main waterways of Tumkur.
We at the Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I) are making significant strides in restoring the ecological balance of Karnataka’s water bodies as we #CareforKere. The beautiful city of Tumkur is home to countless lakes, each with its own unique tale to tell. So let’s dive into the inspiring stories of Tumkur’s water bodies and celebrate their revival.
- Baddihalli Lake
The Baddihalli Lake, situated in the southeastern part of Tumkur, sprawls around 43 acres and has a perimeter of 1966 meters. The lake was heavily polluted with solid waste and was fully covered with invasive weed species.
A crucial step in the restoration of Baddihalli Lake was the removal of invasive weeds. E.F.I. has cleared 555 meters of invasive weeds in the southern and eastern bunds, covering an area of 1.42 acres. This involved removing a large amount of hyacinth, bulrush, and alligator weeds from the lake’s surface.
In addition to deweeding the bunds, E.F.I. has removed a substantial amount of floating weeds from the entire lake’s surface, i.e. by covering an area of 42 acres. This step is essential to improve water quality and promote sunlight penetration into the lake. A staggering 11 tons of garbage was also removed from the lake.
To prevent erosion and ensure the lake’s structural integrity, E.F.I. has constructed and compacted a total of 913 meters of embankment. The south and east bunds, measuring 556 meters and 357.5 meters respectively, have been reinforced to enhance stability. To protect the restored lake from further encroachment and littering, E.F.I. has erected a 1645 ft fence around the lake. This will help preserve the ecological balance achieved through restoration efforts.
After E.F.I’s restoration efforts, the Baddihalli Lake has been showing promising signs of ecological revival. The wide expanse of the lake brims with crystal-clear blue waters, forming a thriving aquatic ecosystem. The below pictures provide a visual evidence of this remarkable transformation.
Check out this video of the Baddihalli Lake:
- Hethanahalli Lake
Situated in the southwestern part of Tumkur is the Hethanahalli Lake. Spanning 64 acres, the lake is a crucial water body that feeds the agricultural land parcels in the region. Restoring the lake also meant significant groundwater recharge and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the community. The lake was fully covered with invasive weeds and garbage.
The first step in revitalizing the lake was the removal of invasive weed species. A total area of 64 acres of invasive weeds was cleared, restoring the lake’s original expanse. To increase the lake’s water-holding capacity, 5 acres of the lake bed were desilted to an average depth of 1 meter. This process removed accumulated sediment and improved the lake’s overall ecology.
To ensure the lake’s structural integrity, E.F.I. constructed an embankment spanning 1828 meters. And shaped 673 meters of the embankment, achieving an average top width of 12 feet and a height of 16 feet. To optimize water flow and prevent siltation, the inlet and outlet channels were restructured. A 70-meter-long stretch was modified, incorporating five strategically placed tree islands to enhance biodiversity.
Recognizing the importance of avian biodiversity, E.F.I. created 12 nesting islands, including the G island, to provide safe havens for various bird species. To support amphibian and aquatic life, a mini pond with a volume of 1,07,493 cubic feet was constructed, creating a diverse aquatic ecosystem. To enhance water infiltration and groundwater recharge, a trench measuring 485 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and 1.5 meters in depth was excavated.
Hethanahalli Lake, now equipped with enhanced embankments, clear inlet and outlet channels, a mini pond, and nesting islands, has been transformed into a biodiversity hotspot. Today, the lake is home to a diverse array of species ranging from territorial to aviary.
- Hulikunte Kere
Hulikunte Kere, a 13.3 acre lake, is undergoing a transformative restoration process to reclaim its ecological vitality. E.F.I’s restoration activities in Hulikunte Kere involved clearing the lake’s periphery of invasive weeds like Prosopis juliflora and Ipomea carnea, covering an area of 4.6 acres.
A critical challenge was addressing siltation, which had significantly reduced the lake’s water-holding capacity. By leveling the uneven lake bed and reinforcing a 330-meter offshore bund, E.F.I aimed to prevent further silt accumulation and enhance the lake’s structural stability.
The extracted silt was repurposed to create three recharge pits, which is crucial for groundwater replenishment. Interestingly, one of these pits also includes a nesting island to enhance biodiversity.
To enrich the aquatic ecosystem, trees, branches, and root masses were collected and transformed into snags. These underwater structures provide essential habitats for fish, aiding in breeding and offering protection. Snags are also landmarks to define territories and aid navigation.
The restoration efforts were complemented by the erection of peripheral fence to safeguard the lake from future disturbances. With these comprehensive measures, Hulikunte Kere has become a thriving aquatic ecosystem that supports all lifeforms.
Check out our previous works in and around Tumakuru and #CareforKere
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I
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