Governance Framework

for
lake rejuvenation and management
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1

Preface 3

The lake vision 5

The current situation 5
A vision for the future of our lake system 6
Methodology 6
The need to change our approach 7
1. New approach towards CSR funds 7
2. New approach toward the CSR fund manager 8
A new approach toward lake assets 8
3. New approach to balance the stakeholders’ need 9
4. New approach toward public participation in lake governance 11
Summary 12

Appendix-A: Basic terms and concepts 12

Terms 13
Concepts 13
The Water cycle 14
The Carbon cycle 14
The Nitrogen cycle 14
The Phosphorus cycle 14
Wetlands 14
Daily water loss 14
Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) 15
Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) 15

Appendix-B: Characteristics of lake assets 15

Lake 16
Interceptor channel 16
Sluice gate at inlet 16
Silt trap 17
Debris trap 19
STP 19
Wetland 20
Stabilization pond 20
Lake body 21
Aerators (diffusers, paddlers, fountains) 21
Bund 23
Rock lining of the bank 23
Islands 24
Weirs 24
Water release sluice gate 25
Outlet chute 26
Lake periphery 27
Gate 27
Approach road 27
 Fencing 27
Water supply system for garden 28
Water supply system for toilets 28
CCTV coverage 29
Social zone 29
Garden 29
Butterfly park 29
Walking/biking track 30
Lighting 30
Toilets 30
Gazebo 31
Amphitheater 31
Children’s play area 32
Recreation facilities 32
Kalyani 33

Appendix-C: Sample MoU 33

Parties to MoU 34
Terms of MOU 34
Roles of parties 34
Scope of work 34
Successful completion of work 34
Code of conduct for parties 35
Rights of parties 35
Obligations and liabilities of the parties 35
Termination of MOU 35
Communication between parties 36
Force Majeure 36
Arbitration 36
Schedule: Identification of roles 36

Appendix-D: The Bengaluru Lakes Champions’ Trophy 38

The corporate team trophy 38

Appendix-E Public organization for lake governance 39

Preface
Bengaluru is rapidly approaching a major water shortage crisis.

Its major source of water is the far-away Cauvery river, which is able to meet only about half of our water
needs. Thus the remaining half of our water needs are met with groundwater. However, the heavy draw on
the groundwater has resulted in rapid lowering of our water table.

At present, the water coming from nearly half of our borewells is not potable.

And yet there are no plans to arrest or reverse this rapid degradation.

It is clear that the only solution is to rejuvenate our lakes, to improve our surface water quality, which will
improve our groundwater quality and quantity as well.

To put lake rejuvenation on fast track, we need to create a regulatory framework that facilitates the lake
rejuvenation or lake management projects.

We also need to reconcile the differences in the expectations of different stakeholders.

This document examines the current water situation, and describes a vision for integrated water resource
management in Bengaluru. It describes a roadmap for addressing the current water crisis by rejuvenating
our lakes.
The lake vision
In this section, we will see the current situation of the lakes and formulate a vision for the future of our lakes
ecosystem.

Note: Appendix-A explains the basic terms and concepts of the subject.

The current situation

Unlike other major cities, Bengaluru is not located on a major river. Instead, it has historically depended on
its lakes and tanks, many of which are man-made.

In the last 30 years, Bengaluru has seen a fast and steady growth. The city administration has not been
able to manage the water supply or sewage for the city. On one hand, people were forced to tap the
groundwater haphazardly; and on the other hand, they were forced to dump raw sewage. On top of this, the
city administration also failed to manage its solid waste. Haphazard dumping of waste is another major
cause of lake pollution.

At present, all the Bengaluru lakes are abused and destroyed because of these factors.

The present situation is extremely bleak:

● The quality of water is extremely poor in almost all lakes
● Most of them are encroached
● Many lakes are converted in a dry ground or a public utility
● The inlet to many lakes are blocked, leading to regular flooding of nearby areas.
● All lakes receive pollution from residential, commercial and industrial complexes.
● No attempt is made to intercept the incoming pollution
● The polluted water has raised the incidents of kidney failures and cancer sharply.
The odds of Kidney trouble have risen from 1:100000 to 1:5000.

This is not a sustainable situation. Bengaluru needs to replenish its water supply on an urgent basis.

The only way to establish a sustainable water supply is by improving the surface water; which means by
rejuvenating our lakes and managing them well.

And here, we are running in a new problem: Lack of funds. A lot of funds are needed to compensate for
decades of neglect. The government expects the business community to help with its CSR funds.

However, the existing climate is not conducive: The lake projects are mired in friction between different
stakeholders (the custodian of the lake, CSR donor, CSR fund manager, lake activist groups, other
parastatals, etc). There is no framework to reconcile the differing expectations of all major stakeholders. As
a result, the corporate donors are not motivated to spend their CSR funds for this task. Consequently, very
few lakes are sponsored, and even that sponsorship is discontinued after some period.

Thus a majority of the lakes are completely abandoned: They are neither rejuvenated nor managed.

A vision for the future of our lake system

We envision to implement an integrated water resource management system; where emphasis is laid on
prevention of water pollution and efficient recycling of water. All lakes would be rejuvenated and managed
with active support of all stakeholders. The improvements in solid waste management would eliminate
pollution of the lake. Similarly, the improvements in the rainwater feeder system would ensure that no
sewage enters the lakes. The rejuvenated lakes and improved rainwater harvesting would have improved
not only the water table but also the quality of groundwater.

To achieve this vision, we need to create a regulatory framework and social reengineering to ensure that-
 ● The lake rejuvenation program is an integral part of the integrated resource water management for
the region and valley.
● It becomes easy for a CSR donor to find a suitable lake to sponsor
● The sponsors are prevented from cherry-picking light but highly visible tasks
An adequate portion of the CSR fund is perforce allocated for vital functions
● CSR donors are encouraged to provide long-term support to the lake they adopt
● Publicity norms are set, so that the CSR donors get commensurate publicity for their donations
● The lake is rejuvenated and managed with ecologically sound practices
● The lake property cannot be used for ulterior motives.
● All the information and data related to rejuvenated and day-to-day management is in public domain.
● The local citizens are involved in the rejuvenation and management of the lake; and their feedback
is acted upon.

This in turn can be broken down in a detailed methodology, as follows:

Methodology
1. The integrated water resource management principles are applied to each catchment ("valley"), and
the estimates are prepared as to quantum of fresh water and sewage to be managed.
2. Within the catchment, lake projects are identified, keeping in mind the following:
1. The interdependence of lakes
(for example, a chain of lakes is usually taken up together as a single project).
2. Specific roles of each lake (flood mitigation, water reservoir, bird sanctuary, etc.)
3. Future expansion of the lake boundary (e.g. when encroachments are removed)
4. Future needs of the surrounding area, with "what if-" scenarios.
5. Area available as lake body, including the buffer zone
6. The lake project may be executed in multiple phases
(e.g. non-essential assets to be developed later)
7. Environmental impact analysis (potential benefits and risks)
3. A stakeholders’ committee is formally appointed for each lake.
4. The stakeholder’s committee prepares a Lake Vision Document (based on the lake-related inputs)
5. KTCDA invites qualified parties to prepare a DPR (Detailed Project Report) for each project.
1. Each party must have a proven track record of preparing DPR.
2. The DPR includes the work to be done on the feeder network
(e.g. silt traps, debris traps, STPs, etc.)
6. KTCDA circulates the draft DPR is put up for public review and comments.
1. The DPR is subjected to stakeholders' reviews.
Necessary changes are made till a optimum balance is achieved among all stakeholders.
2. KTCDA runs a single-window clearance system to obtain time-bound clearances from
BBMP, BWSSB, KSPCB, Minor Irrigation department, Fisheries department, etc.
7. KTCDA invites CSR donors to sponsor the approved DPR through MOUs.
1. The Schedule of the MoU defines how much money would be released on successful
completion of each specific job.
2. The MoU defines the amount and manner of publicity allowed to each sponsor.
The publicity shall be commensurate with each donor’s investment in the project, and will be
allowed for specific time.
8. KTCDA invites contractors through open tender process.
1. The tender is awarded after due scrutiny of the contractors' proven ability.
2. Penalties are fixed for poor quality of work, and delays (if any).
3. The contractor is liable for safety of workers and public during the project.
4. The tender data is shared in public domain.
9. KTCDA sets up a monitoring committee to track the execution of the project.
It consists of all stakeholders, including the government agencies, all donors and local citizens.
10. The quality of work is inspected as follows:
1. All deliverables are inspected by competent agencies against predefined acceptance criteria.
2. Each deliverable is passed only if the minimum acceptance threshold is met.
3. Payment is released only if the deliverable is passed (except for advance paid, if any).
4. In case of rejection, the executor of work is liable to refund the advance paid.
5. All inspection reports are shared in public domain.
 11. After completion of the construction/rejuvenation project, the day-to-day management of the lake
also may be managed through a similar contractual arrangement, or by the custodian of the lake.
12. A team of all stakeholders monitors the day-to-day management of the lake; including review of the
measurable quality parameters (e.g. Secchi depth, macrophyte coverage, water quality readings).
13. KTCDA ensures that the operational data is shared online and made available to the public.
14. KTCDA conducts a semi-annual public meetings to review the overall status of the lake system
across Bengaluru.

The need to change our approach

Clearly, the BAU (Business as usual) is not going to work.

We need to change our approaches in five major areas, as outlined below:

1. New approach towards CSR funds

In the past, if any business wanted to sponsor a project to rejuvenate or manage a lake, it had to face a lot
of legal hurdles. The process is long-winded and requires getting approvals from various government
agencies, which have unstated requirements to be met. Also, the friction between the different stakeholders
stalls the project, despite availability of funds.

On the whole, this makes the project unpredictable and difficult to navigate.

In addition, the CSR donor was treated as if he was being done a huge favor in being allowed to participate
in lake projects. In the MoUs, the donor is required to commit CSR funds in future, and there is a provision
to slap a fine if he is unable to pay in time.

However, it must be acknowledged that CSR funds cannot be taken for granted, and the lake projects can
get much more money if the CSR fund is given due respect, as follows:

1. The lake projects are to be funded primarily by the State. If CSR funds are available for a project,
the State can re-allocate its own funds to another project. However, at the outset, the planning
should not assume that CSR funds would be available for all projects.
2. A CSR donor is entitled to publicity and brand-building that is commensurate with the amount
donated. (CSR is distinct from a philanthropic donation; which is often nameless.)
3. The CSR donor is entitled to refuse payment if the work is below acceptable standards.
4. Any business is subject to risks, and therefore the donor may not be able to honor his long-term
commitments. Therefore a penalty cannot be applied if the donor cuts back his donation with
adequate notice.
5. Even under normal circumstances, the donor is entitled to disengage from the project any time.
A penalty cannot be applied if the donor discontinues his donation with adequate notice. Further,
he is entitled to publicity that is commensurate with the actual amount donated.

2. New approach toward the CSR fund manager

A distinction is made between the CSR Donor and the CSR fund manager:
● The CSR donor is a decision-maker in the MoU, and also receives the publicity commensurate with
the CSR amount paid.
● The CSR fund manager is equivalent to a bank where an escrow account is maintained for the
project; from which the CSR payments are made out in tranches, directly under the instructions of
the CSR donor. Thus the CSR funds manager has no independent role to play in the MoU. In fact,
the CSR donor may prefer to release the CSR funds directly from his own account.
3. New approach toward lake assets
At present, there is too much focus on how much budget is spent on the lakes. As a result, vast sums are
spent on some lakes with questionable results.

The best way to introduce governance in lake rejuvenation and management projects is to think of a lake
as a set of assets, as listed below.
Lake body Lake periphery Social zone

1. Interceptor channel 1. Gate 1. Garden

2. Sluice gate at inlet 2. Approach road 2. Butterfly park
3. Silt trap 3. Fencing 3. Walking/biking track
4. Debris trap
4. Water supply system 4. Lighting
5. STP
6. Wetland (for garden and toilets) 5. Toilets
7. Stabilization pond 5. CCTV coverage 6. Gazebo
8. Lake body 7. Amphitheater
9. Aerators 8. Children’s play area
(diffusers, paddlers, fountains) 9. Recreation facilities
10. Bund 10. Kalyani
11. Rock lining of the bank
12. Islands
13. Weirs
14. Water release gate and chute

Each of these assets has specific ecological and sociological importance. This new mindset would make
the stakeholders realize the real value of the lakes.

This new mindset will also create an awareness that these assets come at a price: They require money to
construct, operate and maintain; and periodically they also need additional money to be rejuvenated. This
encourages the stakeholders to be thrifty in their projects; and also to guard their lakes zealously.

“Governance in lake projects” means optimal use of the lake assets to serve the needs of stakeholders,
with judicious spending in rejuvenation and management of those assets.

4. New approach to balance the stakeholders’ need

At present, all urban lakes suffer because they are seen as “government” property, which are not of any
use to anyone. Whenever the custodian of the lake wants to launch a project, he is stopped by feuds
between rival stakeholder groups. This impasse generates apathy among all stakeholders, which leads to
further neglect from the government agencies. Finally unscrupulous people take over such unattended lake
properties for their personal exploitation, or miscreants vandalize them.

A new mindset needs to be created, where all stakeholders realize what benefits they get out of the lake,
and they should be encouraged to demand their fair share of the benefits.

The stakeholders and their win conditions are captured in the following table:
Stakeholder Win conditions
Custodian of the lake 1. Maintain the lake in prime condition
2. Get the budget for rejuvenation and management
3. No pollution ingress (solid waste, sewage)
KTCDA 1. Maintain all lakes in prime condition
2. No pollution ingress (solid waste, sewage)
BWSSB 1. Integrated water management1

1This is a projected requirement, as BWSSB has not declared its criteria

 KSPCB Compliance with Water Act, 1974
Lake activists 1. Maintain all lakes in prime condition
2. No pollution ingress (solid waste, sewage)
3. Biodiversity in flora and fauna
Corporate donor 1. Ease of selecting a target lake
(CSR fund-provider) 2. Reasonable budget
3. Maximum brand promotion
4. Regular proof of success
5. Projects that yield instant and highly visible success
(e.g. half-day clean-up drive)
CSR fund manager 1. Maximum number of lake-contracts
2. Maximum-possible profit margin
3. Minimum-possible procedural overheads
Community around the lake 1. Safe (pollutant-free) water
2. Improvement in groundwater yield and quality
3. Mosquito-free open space at lake
4. Migratory birds (boasting rights)
5. Recreation/sports facilities
6. Social events (e.g. Ganesha/Durga immersion)
7. Safety at the lake (drowning, anti-social elements)
Farmers 1. Safe water for irrigation
2. Easy access to the lake to harvest fodder
3. Safe (pollutant-free) fodder
Fishermen 1. Maximum-possible yield of fish
2. Good premium on the fish

As mentioned before, the stakeholders have some conflicts, which must be addressed through social re-
engineering and regulatory rules, as shown below:
Stakeholders Conflict
Community vs. The Ganesh/Durga immersion and
Lake owner other religious rituals dump idols and
puja material in the lake, which is
difficult to clean up. It also increases
the cost of maintenance.
Community vs. Different people within community
community want different deliverables, which
cannot be achieved together.
Example-1: To attract more birds, the
lake must be shallow. For sports, the
lake must be deep.
Example-2: If lake is used for fishing,
nets are used, which obstruct sports.
Community vs. When public is not provided with a
Lake owner effective SWM logistics, they try to
dump garbage in lakes.
Corporate vs. The mundane maintenance activities
Lake owner are far more expensive than the
decoration outside the lake. But the
corporate cannot capitalize on such
activities. Thus their focus remains on
a tiny fraction of the whole lake. Most
of the lake remains cash-starved.
Corporate vs. The sponsor gets a small amount of
Lake owner publicity through lakes, for which he is maximize the publicity on lake
not ready to spend big.
Best resolution
1. Each lake must have a kalyani, with
adequate size
2. Allow immersion only if the idol is
certified to be free of toxic paint and
POP.
The community must consult experts to
know the natural depth profile of the lake
(after desilting), and arrive at mutually
acceptable solution. The lake can be
divided in zones for different activities.
BBMP must provide effective SWM
logistics.
A regulation must club the visible and
non-visible activities, so that a certain
percentage of the CSR is perforce
allocated to the non-cosmetic activities.
Create a Lake Champions’ Trophy to
philanthropy.

There is no competition, so the The trophy will also trigger a keen

sponsors do not try to outbid each competition amongst donors to maximize
 other. the donations.
Corporate vs. The corporate cannot show a visible In the competitive award scheme, give
Lake owner major improvement if the lake is weightage to loyalty.
already well-maintained. So they try to
keep shifting to new lakes, thus
withdrawing their support to the
previous lakes.
Lake owner vs The parastatal bodies have a Devise a single window system under the
parastatal bodies chokehold on the lake-owner’s rights. “ease of doing business”, and let KTCDA
(KSPCB, BWSSB, Small things like failing to inform them facilitate the process. Let there be a
BESCOM) in advance triggers a lashback, and permanent team comprising of all
the project suffers. parastatal bodies to fast-track the DPR of
the project.
Corporate vs. A corporate may want to convert a KTCDA to publish a regulation to ban
Community part of the lake to suit its own such activities. Blacklist the offender from
operations (e.g. thoroughfare road for the Bengaluru Lake Champions Trophy
its employees). for 3 years.
Corporate vs. If the fund manager’s margins are KTCDA should maintain an online
CSR fund manager high, the net CSR fund available for directory of all CSR fund managers, with
the project reduces. parametric comparison, such as margin
%, FCRA approval, number of lakes
handled, years of service, etc.
Corporate vs. Excessive brand promotion at the lake KTCDA to publish the criteria for brand
Community becomes obtrusive for the lake promotion at the lakes. (size and number
visitors. of displays, manner of display, max size
of logo, etc.)
Fishermen vs. The fishing nets cause problems for Regulation to divide the lake into fishing
Community the birds, and obstruct boating. and sports zones.

5. New approach toward public participation in lake governance

At present, most of the lakes are in poor condition and encroached. This has happened despite the fact
that each lake has a designated custodian agency2, which is solely responsible for the protection and
upkeep of the lake.

The degradation is due to three major factors:

1. The custodian agency makes no plan for protection or maintenance of the lakes. Thus there is not
even token budget for past several years. The lake properties are simply lying unattended and
abandoned.
2. In absence of deterrents, the rogue elements encroach or misuse the lake area for their own
benefit.
3. There is no systematic effort to insulate the lakes from residential/commercial activities nearby. As a
result, a lot of garbage and sewage makes their way into the lake area.

This can change only if the local public (consisting of all stakeholders) develops a sense of ownership of
the lake, and if they actively participate in the day-to-day management of the lake.

Specifically, the stakeholders will have to maintain pressure on the lake custodian to plan the rejuvenation
of the lake, and then maintain it in optimal condition. They will also have to maintain a constant vigil to
ensure that the lake is not polluted or encroached.

We need new institutions to ensure that the stakeholders collaborate without having internal conflicts.
But informal public groups tend to be fractious and short-lived. The members may not have experience in

2Note that these agencies are merely custodians of a commons property; not absolute owners. Thus it is their role to
protect and care for the lakes like a trustee.
public projects. They also tend to take decisions without adequate technical knowledge. They may be
emboldened by the anonymity in a crowd, and take reckless decisions. To avoid such problems, we must
formally induct lake-specific NGOs and experts in the group’s composition. Experts are needed from
various lake-related disciplines (e.g. hydrology, hydrogeology, ornithology, ecology, etc.).

Summary
To sum up, five key changes are needed to ensure streamlining and fast-tracking of lake projects:
1. The State turns into a patron, and provides a single-window clearance of lake projects
a. KTCDA to play an additional role as SPOC for sponsors.
b. Form a team of senior officers from parastatals for centralized single-window approval
(KSPCB, BBMP, BWSSB, BESCOM, Forest Department, MI, Fisheries department, etc.)
2. Standardize the lake projects, in terms of what needs to be done for each of the lake assets.
The resultant streamlining of MoUs and DPRs will help us fast-track the lake projects. (Appendix-B)
3. Standardize the MOU (Appendix-C)
4. Set up the Bengaluru Lakes Champion Trophy to attract more sponsorships (Appendix-D)
5. Ensure active participation of public by organizing teams consisting of public volunteers, NGOs and
experts from reputed institutions (Appendix-E)
Appendix-A: Basic terms and concepts
It is important to understand some basic terms related to the lakes.

Terms
Term Explanation
CSR CSR is acronym for “Corporate Social Responsibility”.

CSR is meant to help the company promote its commercial interests along with the
responsibilities it holds towards the society at large. CSR is broader compared to acts
of charities, like sponsoring or any other philanthropic activity.

The CSR model is expressed in terms of “triple bottomlines”: People, planet and profit.

● People: Improving quality of life of employees, consumers and

community/society
● Planet: environmentally responsible and sustainable operations
● Profit: Long term economic success and sustainability
CSR funds Funds that each business has to spend annually for social/environmental causes under
Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Lake In the context of Bengaluru, the lake ecosystem consists of all lakes, wetlands,
ecosystem rainwater drains of all sizes and STPs (both public and private).
Integrated Coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in
water resource order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner
management without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

This includes treatment and transportation of fresh water and recycling of sewage.
Stakeholder Any person or section of society that has a interest or concern in the lake ecosystem.
Catchment
Watershed
Microshed
Surface water
Groundwater
Water table
Aquifer

Concepts
Common concepts related to the lake system are explained here.
The Water cycle

The Carbon cycle

The Nitrogen cycle

The Phosphorus cycle

Wetlands

A wetland has permanently saturated soil, and has aquatic plants that can grow in such soil.

Such plants are divided in three types:

● Emergent plants (roots are under water, but stems and leaves grow above the water)
● Submergent plants (The entire plant is under water)
● Floater plants (The plants float on water)

Daily water loss

All lakes lose water continuously due to three factors:

1. Evaporation loss

Water that evaporates in air from the lake surface.

This loss is proportional to the surface area of the lake.

In Bengaluru climate, each lake loses about 3-6 mm of water level everyday.

2. Transpiration loss

Water lost by aquatic plants that grow in the lake.

This rate depends on the plant species: Water hyacinth -- which is the most invasive plant -- has a
transpiration loss that is 3 times larger compared to the direct evaporation loss.
But at the same time, if the lake is covered by macrophytes, that area of water is not exposed to air,
and therefore the evaporation loss would reduce there.

Thus, on the whole, if the lake has 50% macrophyte coverage, we have to apply the evaporation
loss for the half of the lake, and roughly 3 times the loss for the macrophyte-covered half lake
(assuming that most of the coverage is taken over by water hyacinth).
Thus, total evapotranspiration loss = 2 x evaporation loss.
In other words, a lake with 50% water hyacinth coverage loses 6-12 mm of water level every day
due to evapotranspiration.

3. Percolation loss (water percolates in the bottom of the lake and reaches underground aquifers)

If the lake is not desilted for a long time, the silt blocks the pores in the soil at bottom. This reduces
the percolation loss to negligible levels.

If the lake is recently desilted, the percolation rate depends on the porosity of the lake bottom.
Given the soil types (loam-clay), the percolation loss for Bengaluru lakes is about 3-6 mm/day.
Direct Potable Reuse (DPR)

Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)

Appendix-B: Characteristics of lake assets
In this section, all lake assets are explained in detail, as follows:
1. What is the basic function served by the asset (why is it needed?)
2. Basic structure (and variations, if any)
3. Characteristics/Features
a. The “must-have” (bare essentials) characteristics/features
b. The “nice-to-have” (desirable) characteristics/features
c. The “must-not-have” (undesirable) characteristics/features
Lake
Interceptor channel
Purpose To prevent raw sewage from entering the lake, by intercepting the sewage at the
entry point and diverting it to an STP.
Typical A trench is dug along the periphery of the lake. All incoming pipelines or open
design/ channels are terminated in this trench, rather than going to the lake. This trench
structure collects all water/sewage and takes it to an STP located near the lake.

Essential 1. Must be able to handle the highest volume of sewage without overflowing
features 2. Must be able to deliver the entire sewage to the STP without a backflow
3. Must have a RCC bottom and sides, so that pollutants cannot percolate
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks It was a historical practice to release domestic sewage in a nearby lake or river
(mostly untreated). This practice is followed even when those areas get urbanized.

As a result, many lakes have multiple inlets from where sewage enters the lake.
Often it is impractical to intercept each inlet individually. In such cases, an
interceptor channel is used to intercept influent from all inlets. Typically, the
collected sewage is taken to an STP, and then the treated sewage is released in
the lake.

A lake may have one or more interceptor channels, depending on terrain.

Sluice gate at inlet

Purpose To control the flow rate of the incoming water/sewage in the lake.
Typical
design/
structure

Typically, a wall is built to block the entry of water/sewage, and an opening is left in
the wall. A shutter (gate) blocks this opening. The shutter is held in place by a frame
that has a slot on each side.

To allow some water through the opening, the shutter is lifted up using a large bolt-
like mechanism. The shutter slides up in the slots, and allows water to pass from
 below.
Essential 1. A single person should be able to operate the gate
features 2. Provide with a opening height indicator.
It must use embossing/etching, not only paint
Desirable 1. Motorized with back-up manual mode.
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks In Bangalore, many households do not have sewerage connection. They release
their raw sewage in the nearest stormwater drain.

Thus, the stormwater drains carry only sewage around the year. They carry
rainwater only during the wet days. Bangalore has about 60 wet days spread over 7
months.
On a typical wet day, the same drains carry mainly the rainwater; with a
rainwater:sewage ratio of about 7:1.

Thus, the lakes receive only sewage during 305 days in a year, and mainly
rainwater during the remaining 61 days.

So the trick is to drain off the pure sewage just before a wet day, and then refill the
lake with relatively cleaner rainwater. This is done by manipulating the sluice gates
at the inlets and outlets.

Silt trap
Purpose To stop the silt (or solids) from entering the lakes.
Typical The silt traps have wide variation in their design. However, the common theme is to
design/ slow down the liquid, so that the sediment particles can settle to the bottom. A
structure common trick is to simply widen the channel by roughly 3 times.

Then some designs use baffle screens to allow a build-up of sediment there.

In other designs, dense vegetation called “swale” is used to filter out the sediment.

For lower volumes, a pipe carrying the sediment is connected to a cement tank or a
barrel, to slow down the flow speed. A baffle wall is used inside the tank/barrel to
precipitate the sediment at the bottom. The clarified water is taken out from the
 opposite end.

In all designs, some provision is needed to remove the collected sediment

periodically.
Essential 1. Sediment trap is designed to handle the maximum possible volume
features @@@how many years max value?
2. Provision to empty the collected sediment
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Debris trap
Purpose To stop the floating debris (mainly plastic pieces and bottles) from entering the
lakes.
Typical
design/
structure

A typical design has “socks” made out of nylon nets, which trap items that float
down the drain/channel. Once a sock gets filled up with debris, it needs to be
emptied.

Another popular design uses float booms in a V shape. The floats guide the floating
garbage in a centrally located cage.
Essential 1. Must be easy to empty the garbage
features 2. Must have easy access to transportation
Desirable
features
Undesirable 1. Must not require “dry-dock” maintenance
features
Remarks Some of the channels may be perennially filled with water/sewage
STP
Purpose Ideally, any domestic sewage that enters a lake should be intercepted and treated
in an STP first.

The STP treats the sewage, and reduces the BOD/COD in the sewage. If untreated
sewage reaches a water body, it would consume the dissolved oxygen in the water.
The depleted oxygen kills all fish.
Typical See the STP Guide for more details3.
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Wetland
Purpose To provide tertiary treatment to the domestic sewage that is treated in an STP.
Typical
design/
structure

Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks Since natural wetlands are destroyed in Bengaluru, we must use constructed
wetlands.

We must keep the sewage in wetland for at least 5 days in Bengaluru weather.
Only then can it absorb the NP. That means the wetland must have a holding
capacity for 5 days’ sewage for the entire city.

Assuming a channel depth of 0.5 m, and current sewage production of 1400 MLD,
a 4x4 km wetland can serve the entire city. Naturally, this area needs to be divided
in separate parcels for ease of operation and maintenance.

Stabilization pond
Purpose Reduces the organic content and remove pathogens from sewage

3The website is configured badly: You have to add security exception to your browser for this website.
Typical
design/
structure

Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Lake body
Purpose Serves to hold water, which in turn could be for any of the several purposes: As
reservoir of fresh water, as buffer tank to mitigate floods in surrounding areas, to
raise fish,
Typical A lake can be created by digging a depression in the area, which collects water.
design/
structure Many lakes in Bengaluru are created by using a natural valley, where there is a
low-lying area surrounded by ridges, and one side is open, where the ground
slopes away. A dam is built across this slope.
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Aerators (diffusers, paddlers, fountains)

Purpose 1. To meet the BOC/COD needs of the incoming water, which has some
biodegradable material.
2. To increase the DO (Dissolved Oxygen) in the water, needed by fish and
amphibians
3. To churn the water to eliminate the pockets where oxygen is depleted.
Typical There are three options:
design/
structure 1. Diffusers
The diffusers are laid on the bottom of the lake, and fed with compressed
air. They emit fine bubbles and thus aerate the water, and also churn the
volume to eliminate any low-oxygen pockets.

They are available in two primary variants: tube and disc.

 2. Paddlers
Plastic pedals are mounted on long shafts, which are rotated continuously
by electric motors. The pedals strike the water surface and churn it.

The whole assembly is mounted on a series of floating boxes.

3. Fountains
Apart from being pleasing to the eye, the fountains also help in aerating the
water, and in churning the water.

Essential 1. Built-in facility to declog the nozzles (for hard water)

features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Bund
Purpose This is a wall made with large stones and aggregate, to prevent lake water from
leaking out. In most cases, the top of the bund is also used as a road.
Typical
design/
structure
Essential 1. Large stones, aggregate used in the construction
features 2. Compacting done to prevent a collapse later
Desirable
features
Undesirable 1. Silt/sludge used as the building material
features 2. Soil with biodegradable content used as building material
Remarks Not all lakes are naturally formed. Many lakes are formed in a natural valley, where
two sides are already available, and the third side is man-made with a bund.

In some Bengaluru lakes, bunds are added to the natural sides also, thus forming a
uniform walkway around the lake. The additional bund is not required for
ecological/hydrological purposes, but added for aesthetics and social needs.

Rock lining of the bank

Purpose To prevent soil erosion
Typical
design/
structure

Essential 1. The slope must not be more than @@@limit

features 2. Build a staircase every few meters, to allow people to wade in the lake
The staircase must have a robust post at top, so that the staff can attach a
knotted rope railing to it to get down in the lake safely.
3. The bottom edge must have distinct shape, as a tactile indicator even in
cloudy water
4. The stones must have rough surface (especially for the staircase), to be
less slippery even when moss builds up after a few months under water.
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Islands
Purpose As a refuge to nesting birds, away from any human interference.
Typical
design/
structure

Essential 1. Vegetation @@@what types are desired??

features
Desirable 1. The island must be out of earshot so that noise from shore cannot reach it
features (not possible in small lakes)
Undesirable 1. Any lighting on the island
features 2. Any sound source on the island
Remarks

Weirs
Purpose To maintain a predetermined fixed level of water in the lake.

Typical A weir is simply a wall built at the downstream side of the lake.
design/
structure

Its height is set lower compared to the rest of the periphery of the lake; so that this
is the only place where the lake overflows safely into a canal.

Secondly, the height is set in such a way that when water fills up in the lake to
overflow at the weir, the water depth in the lake is adequate, and yet the water does
not overflow at any other point of the periphery. In fact, a safety margin is always
kept, so that even when the water is flowing above the weir height, it does not
breach any other part of the lake.
Essential 1. Height must be correctly set for safety margin around the lake
features 2. Must be able to @@@
Desirable 1. Railing on top (at minimum, provide on the lake-side of the wall) so that
features inspectors can walk safely
2. Roughened top for anti-slip surface
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Water release sluice gate

Purpose To control the quantity of water/sewage retained in the lake.
To control the water-to-sewage ratio.
Typical
design/
structure
 Typically, a wall is built to block the entry of water/sewage, and an opening is left in
the wall. A shutter (gate) blocks this opening. The shutter is held in place by a frame
that has a slot on each side.

To allow some water through the opening, the shutter is lifted up using a large bolt-
like mechanism. The shutter slides up in the slots, and allows water to pass from
below.
Essential 1. A single person should be able to operate the gate
features 2. Provide with a opening height indicator.
It must use embossing/etching, not only paint
Desirable Motorized with back-up manual mode.
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks In Bangalore, many households do not have sewerage connection. They release
their raw sewage in the nearest stormwater drain.

Thus, the stormwater drains carry only sewage around the year. They carry
rainwater only during the wet days. Bangalore has about 60 wet days spread over 7
months.

On a typical wet day, the same drains carry mainly the rainwater; with a
rainwater:sewage ratio of about 7:1.

Thus, the lakes receive only sewage during 305 days in a year, and mainly
rainwater during the remaining 61 days.

So the trick is to drain off the pure sewage just before a wet day, and then refill the
lake with relatively cleaner rainwater. This is done by manipulating the sluice gates
at the inlets and outlets.

Outlet chute
Purpose This is a channel with a gentle slope that allows water to exit the lake without much
churning. If the exit flow is turbulent, and if the water has Phosphorus4 in it, then
there would be a lot of foam build-up at the outlet of the lake.
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks The water released by the outlet sluice gate is passed through the chute and
released downstream.

Lake periphery
Gate
Purpose To allow visitors in lake premises only during visiting hours
Typical Double-sided gate, with a small side-gate for personal entry.
design/
structure
Essential 1. Double sided, lockable
features 2. The small side gate to have turnstile/U cage to block entry of cows
4The human excreta has significant amount of Phosphorus, which the STPs cannot remove.
 3. The small gate must be self-locking
4. With a culvert below
5. If there are multiple gates, mark with gate number prominently
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Approach road
Purpose Provides walking surface from the gate to the various social features of the lake
Typical Gravel or macadam road
design/
structure
Essential 1. Water drainage on both sides
features 2. Compacting
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Fencing
Purpose To prevent entry of dogs and other animals in the lake area
Typical Typically, made out of mail-chain fencing material
design/
structure

Essential 1. Galvanized fence

features 2. Painted with approved shade of all-weather paint @@@what type?
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Water supply system for garden

Purpose Watering for the garden
Typical
design/
structure
Essential 1. The underground pipeline must have adequate reach to all corners, without
features needing garden hose
2. Provide master valves in all branches, to cut off water supply selectively.
Desirable 1. Drip irrigation.
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks
Water supply system for toilets
Purpose Flushing and sanitary water connection
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

CCTV coverage
Purpose To discourage antisocial elements from vandalizing the lake, or from harassing the
visitors
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Social zone
Garden
Purpose For visitors to destress.
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks The garden may be design to serve a special purpose (herbs, ayurvedic, etc)

Butterfly park
Purpose
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks
Walking/biking track
Purpose For the use of more active visitors.
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Lighting
Purpose To provide safety to visitors
Typical
design/
structure
Essential 1. Energy-efficient (LED/CFL)
features 2. Must not be too bright (birds can be disturbed)
3. Low-mounted, downward facing: Must not throw light at any part of the
nearby trees
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Toilets
Purpose Amenity for visitors
Typical Western+Indian to suit all users
design/
structure
Essential 1. Western+Indian to suit all users
features 2. Adequate natural ventilation and light
3. Style (Indian/western) clearly marked on the outside
4. Signages throughout the park (esp. gate) to show direction to toilets
5. Connection to UGD
6. Provision to use vacuum trucks for break-down maintenance
7. Hooks on door to hang pants
8. Shelf to place a bag
9. Floor that prevents collection of mud (grill?)
Desirable 10. Pay-and-use toilets, easily accessible from outside (for non-visitors also)
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Gazebo
Purpose For impromptu social group-gatherings
Typical
design/
structure

Essential 1. Roof to provide a 1’ overhang (protection against driving rain)

features 2. Make it inconvenient to perch on railing
3. Provide bench-like continuous seating (not bucket-seats)
4. If there is a center pole, then arrange for standing tables
5. Diameter not too large (people should be able to talk across)
6. Opening at top to let the hot air escape (keeps cool)
7. Provide dust bins nearby (wet, dry)
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks @@@do we allow gazebos inside waterline, as shown at right?

Amphitheater
Purpose To allow small shows (on socially relevant topics)
Typical
design/
structure

Essential
features
Desirable 1. If blocks are used as seats, use recycled waste or a byproduct.
features 2. Shady trees nearby to provide natural shade
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Children’s play area

Purpose To attract children (and their parents) to the park (and become patrons)
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Recreation facilities
Purpose
Typical
design/
structure
Essential
features
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks

Kalyani
Purpose For puja and visarjan of idols (Ganesh/Durga): Prevents pollutants from entering
the lake
Typical
design/
structure

Essential 1. Provide for wide-bodied vehicle entry till this point.

features 2. Provide for load-bearing road till this point
3. Provide pulleys to swing heavy idols from truck into Kalyani (and back)
4. Provide pump to bail out all the water for a dry-dock maintenance after the
event.
Desirable
features
Undesirable
features
Remarks Rather than letting heavy idols lie in Kalyani, the organizers must be asked to take
the idol back after 3 symbolic dips. That way the idols would not release toxic
material in the lake.

Also look for a process to implement EPR with idol-makers (they recycle the clay
for the next year’s idol).
Appendix-C: Sample MoU
The following MoU template incorporates regulatory conditions for any lake work (both rejuvenation and
management).

Parties to MoU
● KTCDA shall be the nodal agency for finalization of MoU, and also mediation in case of a dispute.
● The First party in the MoU shall be the custodian of the lake (The Government department/
corporation/ authority etc. represented by an authorized officer, with designation).
● The Second party in the MOU shall be an entity that prepares the DPR, or executes the contract for
construction, rejuvenation, operation and/or maintenance (as the case may be).
● The Third party can be any citizen watch committee that represents the interest of the community
living around the lake.

Terms of MOU
Roles of parties
1. KTCDA will provide a single-window clearance from KSPCB, BBMP, BESCOM, BWSSB.

2. The First party shall-

a. Liaise with other government agencies to enable the Second Party to carry out its obligations
under MoU.
b. Issue necessary permission to the Second Party to commence work (preparation of DPR,
technical sanction, development, maintenance of park, installation of STP etc.).
c. To remove encroachments within the lake and its buffer zone (if any)

Infrastructure support needed from the First Party (if any) may be mentioned in MOU.

3. The Second Party shall fulfill the contract, which may be-
a. Preparation of DPR.
b. Execution of rejuvenation and/or construction contract
c. Execution of operation and maintenance (O&M) contract.

4. Further, all parties may work out their detailed roles (see Appendix).
a. The roles must be listed in the MoU, with a description of the concerned asset.
i. Any unidentified roles shall rest with the First Party (custodian of the lake)
b. The MOU shall clearly identify which part of the work is being supported with the CSR funds,
and the amount specifically allocated for that purpose.

Scope of work
1. The contract shall clearly record the current state of all lake assets, and the desired state of the
assets (state to be achieved by the project).
2. The scope of work shall be defined in terms of Construction, Rejuvenation/Repair, Operation,
Maintenance and Safe-keeping (security) for the lake assets (see the attached schedule).
3. Each of these activities shall be assigned to the parties, and this shall be recorded clearly in the
Agreement.

Successful completion of work

1. Each task shall be deemed to be completed only when the corresponding criteria are met.
2. Clear criteria shall be established for acceptability of each task, and recorded in the Agreement.
3. On completion of each task, an assessment shall be carried out by the Third party, which may
recommend demolition of the non-compliant or substandard portion of the work. Such decisions
shall be binding to the Second Party (subject to Arbitration).

Code of conduct for parties

1. All parties shall work out a time-bound project plan for execution of work.
2. A monitoring committee consisting of equal number of members from all parties shall jointly monitor
the pace of work as per the DPR. They shall also meet regularly as mutually agreed in the plan.
 3. Decisions regarding any day-to-day activities related to the work must be taken unanimously by the
parties.

Rights of parties
1. In case of any difference of opinion, decision of head of the First party will be final.
2. The MoU shall by no means be interpreted as giving any lease rights or property title whatsoever to
the Second party: The entire lake and all buildings and structures within its perimeter shall remain
the property of First Party.

Obligations and liabilities of the parties

1. Unless otherwise specified in the MOU, each party shall be individually liable for the operations
conducted by it in the lake premises.
a. This includes liability for harm caused to its own staff, or to the staff of the other parties or to
the visiting public and neighboring population.
2. The lake premises shall not be used for political, religious and propaganda activities unless
specifically permitted in writing by the First party.
3. The Lake premises shall not be used for putting up any commercial hoardings.
4. The Second party shall not carry out any revenue-generation activity.
a. The Second or Third party shall not charge any entry fee & will not be engaged in any
commercial activity in the lake premises.
b. The Second or Third party shall not sell the lake waters, or provide the water to any party for
any purpose whatsoever.
5. For putting up any sign-board for displaying the financial contribution of the donor, it should comply
with the norms fixed by the First Party and it should be in conformity with the Court/ Government
directions.

Termination of MOU
1. The MoU is valid for a period of x years from the date of signing by the parties and may be
renewed for a further period (only for maintenance works) or same terms and conditions subject to
mutual agreement.
2. The MoU shall stand terminated automatically under the following circumstances:
a. On the expiry of the term, subject to extension as above.
b. If any of the Parties is prohibited under prevalent rules or notifications or laws of India, from
being a Party to this Agreement.
3. The First party has the right to terminate the MoU with one month's prior written notice if the second
party does not fulfill their obligations as agreed in the MoU.
4. The second party has the right to withdraw from the MoU only under the following circumstances:
a. If the First party fails to fulfill their obligations or fail to act on genuine and reasonable
complaints on violations reported by the Second party.
b. Force majeure.
In either case, the Second Party shall provide a one month's prior written termination notice to the
First Party. The MoU shall be deemed terminated at the end of this period.
5. A recovery clause must be inserted in the MOU if the second party leaves the work unfinished or if
the work is substandard or poses a threat to life, etc.

Communication between parties

The address for the purpose of communication by any of the parties herein shall be as recorded in this
MoU, unless otherwise notified by the party to others.

Any notice by one party to others shall be deemed to be complete upon dispatch of the same by way of
RPAD or email or other electronic form with due acknowledgement thereof.

Force Majeure
In case the performance of the respective obligations under this MOU is prevented by circumstances
beyond the reasonable control of any of the parties herein -- such as, but not limited to- strike, fire, flood,
action of elements, riots, sabotage or any other acts of God, then in that case, such failure in performance
shall not be construed as or otherwise constitute as a default or violation of terms of this MOU, by such
party claiming Force Majeure, provided notice of such inability has been given to other parties within 30
days of the occurrence of such event.

In the event of Force Majeure situation continuing beyond a period of three (3) months, all the parties shall
mutually decide about the future course of action to remedy the situation, in order to fulfill the objectives of
this MoM.

Arbitration
Any dispute or difference or claim arising out of, or in connection with, or relating to the MOU, contract or
the breach, termination or invalidity thereof shall be referred and settled under the Arbitration Centre -
Karnataka (Domestic & International) Rules 2012, by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with
its rules.
Schedule: Identification of roles
Roles
Category Assets (refer to the keys below)
Party-1 Party-2
Lake Interceptor channel
Sluice gate at inlet
Silt trap
Debris trap
STP
Wetland
Stabilization pond
Lake body
Aerators (diffusers, paddlers, fountains)
Bund
Rock lining of the bank
Islands
Weirs
Water release gate
Chute
<Add more assets here>

Lake Gate
periphery Approach road
Fencing
Water supply system for garden
Water supply system for toilets
CCTV coverage
<Add more assets here>

Social Garden (may be herb garden)

zone Butterfly park
Walking/biking track
Lighting
Toilets
Gazebo
Amphitheater
Children’s play area
Recreation facilities
Kalyani
<Add more assets here>
Keys:
C construction
R Rejuvenation/Repair
O operation
M maintenance
S safe-keeping (security)

Note that a party may play multiple roles (e.g. Construct and Operate a silt trap).
For more detailed description of each asset, refer to the DPR.
Appendix-D: The Bengaluru Lakes Champions’ Trophy
Some of the conflicts above can be resolved by instituting a competitive trophy.

Compared to the on-site advertisement, the coveted trophy will bring much more recognition. Therefore the
corporates will vie to win this trophy, by complying with all the conditions.

In other words, we can set the scores to reengineer the corporate behavior in the desired direction.
Some initial ideas for this trophy can be-
● Trophy sponsored by CII (or let Rotary Club sponsor it)
● Annual management of the trophy to be done by KSWTF
● One trophy for the winning corporate plus 2 runners up plates
● To be awarded by the KSPCB Chairman on World Water Day5
● The annual cycle is as follows:
• Each year, the model and criteria are tweaked compared to previous year.
This allows us to adjust the corporate behavior; based on last year’s results.
• The form is data-based, with minimal text (like Swachh Bharat scoresheet)
The data would be weighed based on ecological significance. For example, desilting has
many more points, while gardening has very few points.
• The corporates apply with self-declared scores.
• These scores to be attested by FBL and other neutral citizen lake-related bodies
After visit and verification of each lake.
● The winners can display the trophy logo on the on-site name plates, and also in their ads in print
and TV media.
● A category can be added for SMEs because they have less spending capacity; and thus need
special encouragement.
● Any corporate to win the trophy 3 times (even in non-contiguous years) gets a hall of fame trophy: A
small replica of the original trophy for keeps. After that, its trophy count starts again. This is
additional incentive for the corporate to maintain its winning performance.
• The winners of hall of fame trophy can display the special trophy logo on the on-site name
plates, and also in their ads in print and TV media.
The corporate team trophy
Apart from the corporate trophy, we can have another trophy for the corporate teams. This would
encourage the corporates to field their employees to work on their adopted lake.

Like the corporate trophy, this trophy too can have a hall of fame trophy.

5Reason for choosing this day: There is no official World Lake Day. The World Environment Day is too generic, and
already cluttered with too many other activities. There is a World Wetland Day, but then we do not have a wetland!
Finally, we will later have integrated water management, which means lakes and water are celebrated on the same
day.
Appendix-E Public organization for lake governance
Each lake needs a local team with representation of all stakeholders, NGOs and experts.

1. Representative of the Custodian Agency (BBMP, Forest Department, MI, BDA, etc)
2. KTCDA
3. BWSSB
4. KSPCB
5. Corporate donor (CSR fund-provider)
6. Community around the lake (may be a mix of residential and commercial complexes)
7. Farmers
8. Fishermen
9. Lake activists
10. NGO representatives
11. Experts drawn from research institutes (IISC, ATREE, IIM-B, IIT-M, etc.)

We also need a core team to formulate our core policy for the integrated water policy in general and lakes
in particular. This team can have the following members:

1. Representatives of all the Custodian Agencies (BBMP, Forest Department, MI, BDA, etc)
2. KTCDA
3. BWSSB
4. KSPCB
5. Representatives of the lake groups
6. Representatives of lake-related NGOs
7. Experts panel from research institutes (IISC, ATREE, IIM-B, IIT-M, etc.)