As a part of the TGC experience, we attend numerous sessions in the hotel conference room, visit schools and participate in a variety of group activities. One of my passions is birding and I was delighted to find that a lake was only a short walk from my hotel. Ulsoor Lake is a focal point for many Bangaloreans as a destination for exercise and relaxation. I know that such areas can be a magnet for birdlife, so I've managed to take a short walk there each day of my visit to Bangalore. I was curious about the history of the lake and about the water quality issues that might affect it. I was interested to learn that the lake was originally constructed in the 16th century as a source for both irrigation and drinking water. The present day lake was reconstructed in the 1860s. The lake is a fraction of its original size because of siltation. During one of our sessions, we met with Avinash Krishnamuthy, an environmental engineer who discussed water quality issues for India and more specifically for Bangalore. I found particularly interesting his description of stepwells in Indian history. Stepwells are dug deep into the ground until the water table is reached. A series of descending steps were constructed that allowed access to the water and served as important gathering places in Indian villages. As the water table rose and fell, it served as an effective method to measure the current water supply by counting the number of steps required to reach the water's edge. If there was an increase in the number of steps, it meant that water was becoming less available and very likely, forecast a poorer harvest due to lack of water. Today, such step wells are maintained with pump systems and are more ornamental than functional. I was able to spot numerous birds at the lake, including some "lifers", species that I'd never seen in my 40+ years of birding. I saw several Little Egrets feeding at the edge of the lake, I once drove three hours to see one that appeared in Chincoteague Virginia! Birds with cool names like Purple Swamphen and Brahminy Kite make their homes around Ulsoor. Despite the abundant birdlife, the problems at Ulsoor Lake are quite evident. Trash is a major issue across Bangalore and the lake seems to be a collection point for such refuse. The trash can pose a threat to wildlife, detract from the aesthetics of the area, and provide opportunities for breeding mosquitoes. More insidious are the chemicals and waste that runs off into the lake, reducing oxygen levels and resulting in fish die-offs within the water body. Such a fish kill in May of last year caused the deaths of thousands of fish and no doubt impacted the survival of other species.
The bright note are the students that we meet in the local schools. Today we met with a wonderful group of very bright students with an interest in solving many of these problems. They hope that as people become more aware of these issues, some of these environmental problems can begin to be solved. I hope so too!
4 Comments
Lucinda Gaddis
7/7/2017 07:35:58 am
Excellent blog!
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Michelle
7/7/2017 08:55:30 am
Great post, most excellent writing -- I feel like I am there when reading it. Thanks!
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Robin Shaffer
7/7/2017 04:09:27 pm
Brilliant wildlife photography! It's an extraordinary part of the world on the front lines of a sustainable future.
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4/26/2024 12:05:37 am
Just a quick note to express my gratitude for your travel blogging. Your posts never fail to captivate and inspire, transporting readers to exotic locales and immersing them in new cultures. Thank you for sharing your adventures and reminding us of the beauty and diversity of our world!
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