Vandalism of Bathalapalli Lake

In a quest to restore a lake near my home, I identified a pressing environmental issue that was deteriorating its health. Pollution from a nearby wine shop and illegal sewer connections from the vegetable market were contaminating the lake, turning it into a dumping ground for the local community.

Problems Discovered

Vandalism and pollution from a nearby wine shop, which led to plastic and glass bottle waste.
Illegal sewer connections from the community and market contributing to toxic water contamination.
Shrinking lake perimeter, identified using Google Earth Pro, revealing a quarter-per-decade reduction over 8 years.

Solution and Action Taken

Engaged with local panchayat members and persistently contacted the Sub-Collector of Hosur to address the issue.
Successfully advocated for the relocation of the wine shop and the repair of broken sewer pipes, preventing further contamination.
Encouraged corporate contributions to build a protective wall around the lake as part of their CSR initiatives.

The impact was profound, as local efforts helped bring the lake back to life. Residents reported the return of indigenous birds, a significant indicator of the lake's restored health and biodiversity. This project is a testament to community-driven environmental stewardship, demonstrating that small, persistent actions can lead to meaningful change.