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During his visit, Anand Malligavad stated that the Dal Lake would be restored in a way that ensures it remains resilient for 200 to 300 years
Malligavad’s journey in lake restoration began in 2017 when he accidentally fell into one of Bengaluru’s heavily polluted lakes. (Anand Malligavad/X)
Known as the ‘Lake Man of India’, Anand Malligavad, a mechanical engineer-turned-environmentalist from Bengaluru, recently visited Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to inspect the sacred Dal Lake and offer hope for its restoration. Malligavad runs his NGO ‘Malligavad Foundation’ and has restored 35 lakes in Bengaluru so far. His NGO has inspired lake conservation efforts across India.
Dharamshala’s Dal Lake, which has faced leakage issues for several years despite crores of rupees spent on repairs, is the latest project Malligavad is set to undertake. After in-depth discussions with local authorities, he was entrusted with the responsibility of addressing the lake’s persistent leakage problem.
How an Engineer Turned Into An Environmentalist
Malligavad’s journey in lake restoration began in 2017 when he accidentally fell into one of Bengaluru’s heavily polluted lakes. Like many others in the city, this lake was severely contaminated with sewage, plastic debris, and construction waste. His unexpected fall left him smelling so foul that a guard denied him entry into his own residential area.
Determined to make a change, he proposed an unusual initiative to his employer, Sansera Engineering, requesting funds to restore the 36-acre Kyalasanahalli Lake. Within just 45 days, Malligavad and a team of excavators and workers removed massive amounts of sludge, garbage, and plastic, cleared out channels, and dug islands from mud.
Six months later, with the arrival of the monsoon, the lake was transformed, clean, and ready for boating. Malligavad has since continued to restore and rejuvenate lakes throughout Bengaluru.
Plans for Dal Lake Restoration
During his visit, Malligavad stated that Dal Lake would be restored in a way that ensures it remains resilient for 200 to 300 years. A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared, and input from experts will be incorporated. November will be dedicated to finalising the DPR and conducting a case study, with restoration planned between December and May.
Indigenous Fish to Aid in Water Purification
Malligavad emphasised the importance of indigenous fish over ornamental species. Indigenous fish prevent mosquito breeding and help cleanse the water, whereas beautified fish do not adapt well to local ecosystems and are ineffective in purifying water. He stressed the need to prioritise native species in Dal Lake’s ecosystem restoration.
- Location :
Himachal Pradesh, India