Evaluating the Water Quality of Ulsoor Lake, Bengaluru, between 2012 and 2023

Ulsoor Lake, one of Bengaluru’s oldest and well-known lakes, has faced severe ecological pressure over the past few decades. This paper examines the water quality of Ulsoor Lake across a period of 12 years from 2012 to 2023. First, a literature review was conducted to identify the significance of the lake in its geographical context and the problems it faces. Then, secondary data from the Central Pollution Control Board were used to analyze the changes in certain physicochemical parameters across the period, namely: Temperature, D.O., pH, Conductivity, B.O.D., Nitrate + Nitrite, Fecal Coliform, and Total Coliform. The yearly mean values were computed and graphed against time to understand yearly changes in quality. The most alarming elements were the fecal and Total coliform concentrations, with the peak concentrations reaching several million MPM/100ml. The paper identifies alternative approaches to evaluating water quality and solutions that were used across several studies, such as wastewater treatment and constructed floating wetlands. Overall, this paper concludes that the water is unsuitable for domestic purposes, and the lake requires urgent restoration efforts due to risks of disease transmission.