Nestled in the heart of Hosur city, Basthi Lake is a unique rock-forged, hill-graded waterbody that receives cascading flow from upstream Alasanatham Lake through Vasanth Nagar Lake. Renowned for its natural rock formations along the southwestern boundary, the 30-acre lake suffered severe degradation due to untreated domestic sewage inflow, land encroachments on its southeastern corner, and a thick blanket of invasive water hyacinth. In response, the Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I), in collaboration with Caterpillar and the Hosur City Municipal Corporation, executed a comprehensive eco-restoration project. By clearing massive invasive weed biomass, reclaiming encroached land, desilting the lakebed, and fortifying embankments, the initiative successfully restored Basthi Lake into a resilient urban wetland sanctuary.

Water Hyacinth Menace

Basthi Lake has become a dumping ground for wastewater and domestic runoff, which lead to the growth of water hyacinth. This invasive plant forms a thick green blanket over the lake’s surface, blocking sunlight and significantly reducing dissolved oxygen levels in the water. As a result, the lake’s aquatic ecosystem is under severe stress, and the surrounding community is also affected. The stagnant, hyacinth-covered water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, increasing the risk of diseases such as malaria.

The removal of invasive weeds was carried out across the entire lake surface, clearing over 360 tons of water hyacinth spread across 30 acres.

This large-scale effort was essential to restore the lake’s natural ecosystem, improve water flow, and increase oxygen levels in the water. The cleared areas now allow sunlight to penetrate the surface, helping revive aquatic life and improve water quality.

Additionally, the southeastern corner of the lake had been encroached upon and was being used for personal gain. This land parcel was reclaimed and restored to the lake by removing the encroachments. The area was then desilted, and the silt removed was used to strengthen the offshore embankment. To prevent future encroachments and enhance the lake’s structural integrity, nesting islands and reinforced embankments were constructed in this zone.

The restoration of this once-neglected waterbody stands as a powerful reminder of what collective action and ecological responsibility can achieve. From clearing invasive weeds and reclaiming encroached land to strengthening embankments and creating nesting islands, every step taken has contributed to reviving the lake’s health and ecology. As the waters begin to breathe again and biodiversity slowly returns, this effort serves not only as an environmental success story but also as a call to protect and preserve our urban lakes for future generations.

The eco-restoration of Basthi Lake stands as a benchmark for municipal-NGO collaboration in restoring degraded urban wetlands. By reclaiming public land, clearing over 360 tons of invasive weed biomass, and embedding nature-based solutions like nesting islands, E.F.I and the Hosur City Municipal Corporation have revived this rock-forged landmark. Today, Basthi Lake functions as a revitalized flood buffer, a natural water purifier, and a vibrant ecological hub that enhances the quality of life for the residents of Hosur.

Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I