Dying Waters: An Ecological and Governance Crisis in Bengaluru's Lakes

Lakes play an active and vital role in managing vast ecosystems, they provide freshwaters, complete the nutrient cycle, help in water purification and recharging groundwater. They moderate floods and droughts, create habitats that sustain rich biodiversity-including fishes, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds-and offer cultural, recreational, and economic services. Their role in carbon storage and climate regulation further enhances ecosystem resilience. Together, these functions underscore lakes as indispensable natural assets for both environmental health and human well‑being. Yet, they are often overlooked, grounded for construction and treated as dumping grounds. Many lakes of the Silicon Valley have already become history and many are faced with no care and conservation, all looking towards the same.