Rs 50,000 crores needed for restoration, rejuvenation of Bengaluru lakes

Bengaluru: Former additional chief secretary, V Balasubramanian on Sunday, December 23 said that more than Rs 50,000 crore will have to be apid for the restoration and rejuvenation of the major waterbodies within the city.

Addressing an event organised by Bengaluru Environment Trust Balasubramanian informed that the restoration and rejuvenation of lakes, stormwater drains, improved sewage treatment plants together cost Rs 50,000 crore, a high price to pay for the mistakes of the past 15-20 years.

He further added that a comprehensive policy on water management was needed and a project is being prepared by engineers from a reputed consultancy firm and the estimated cost has gone up from Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore. The draft report recommends a sanction of Rs 10,000 crore for several other segments, including public education, he added.

Speaking to Deccan Herald Balasubramanian said that the public has to realise that micro-studies and isolated attempts by NGOs, educational institutions and citizens will not be able to restore and rejuvenate lakes.