PNLIT quits nurturing Puttenahalli Puttakere - Lakes Division order

[Usha Rajagopalan]

13/07/2025

Dear Friends, 

Subject: PNLIT told to quit nurturing Puttakere – Lakes Division order

 

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that PNLIT has withdrawn from protecting and nurturing Puttenahalli Puttakere from 03 July 2025. We were issued a notice to do so by the Lakes Division, BBMP (Notice attached). It will come as a shock to you, our associates, well-wishers and supporters, but we had been trying to diffuse and avert a showdown for the last two years. 

PNLIT was registered in June 2010 but our endeavour to save the lake began earlier. We shall be as brief and precise in summing up our experience of nearly two decades. 

 

Moved by the plight of the dying lake in our locality, we wanted to moot a public campaign in 2008 to get the municipality to save the lake. Residents in the area tried to dissuade us that government officials would not listen to ordinary people; that lakes were the responsibility of the municipality, not ours, tax payers, etc. We didn’t listen to them and were glad we didn’t. 

 

BBMP rejuvenated the lake in 2009/2010 and their Environment Cell team was so encouraging and cooperative that it led to our signing an MoU with them on 17 May 2011 and we became Bengaluru’s first citizen caretakers of a lake. With regard to financial assistance to meet maintenance expenses, we were told, “If we (BBMP) had the money, why would we give the lake to you?” 

 

Indeed, as per the MoU 2011 - 2014, Section 1. Role of PNLIT item xvii, we had to “Bear the full cost of all the above (maintenance) activities (i to xvi).” 

 

We were also told that if anyone complained about the bad condition of the lake, we would be held responsible. 

 

We took our new assignment seriously and involved the neighbourhood. People’s scepticism gave way to enthusiastic participation. They pitched in with volunteer and fund support through donations. [Note PNLIT is a registered charitable trust with 80G exemption for donors, and fully audited and tax compliant.] 

 

We hired the staff and carried out developments which, over the years transformed the lake into a thriving, rich ecosystem. This would not have been possible without the unflagging support of the then Environment Cell and indeed, several other government departments and the community. PNLIT was the bridge between them. We were deeply grateful for their support.

 

In 2020, the 10^th year of PNLIT, we gifted longtime supporters with a tree in their name and the next year, 2021, our nomination fetched BBMP the Earth Day Network Star Municipal Leadership award for its work in restoring 18 lakes in Bengaluru and initiating work on seven more. Following the Lakes Division notice, we have removed the name boards. (Photographs attached)

 

In Mar 2020, BBMP did not renew their MoUs with us, citizen groups, citing a High Court order in WP 38401/2014 passed on 04 March 2020 which read “...the State Government shall not execute any such MOU with any Corporate Entity (emphasis added). However, this order will not prevent the State Government from taking funds from the Corporate Entities for rejuvenation of lakes.” 

 

Four of us, citizen groups, were admitted as respondents to the writ in 2021 and we waited to tell the Hon’ble Court about our role and contribution to lake conservation. On the strength of the support from the then Lakes Division, we continued to maintain Puttakere for the next two years and then they turned volte face. We were unable to find out the reasons for this sudden loss of trust and breakdown in communication. We started suspending our volunteer engagements, environment awareness programmes, requested donors to withhold their contributions for lake maintenance, and reduced our activities to essential gardening chores. In the belief that the biggest threats to a lake were sewage influx and encroachment, we continued to protect the lake from these. After 17 years, we were on the verge of achieving the seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating those residing illegally in the lake premises when we got the marching orders. Links to Prajavani reports in English of 27^th and 30^th March 2025. https://keremanju.blogspot.com/2025/05/puttenahalli-lake-neglect-of.html; 

https://keremanju.blogspot.com/2025/05/puttenahalli-lake-rehabilitation-in.html

 

This notice was the second from the Lakes Division. The first (Ref. No. AEE/Lakes (South)/PR/25/2023-24 dated 09/10/2023) asked us to stop treated water inflow from the STP in South City with immediate effect as it was ‘polluting’ the lake. We were served the notice even after sending photographs and documents to show that the toxic pollutant was leachate from the garbage trucks outside the apartment complex and that the treated water in fact, was diluting it. We continued to be questioned till we resolved it once and for all in March 2025 through MLA Shri M Krishnappa who got the garbage transfer point shifted. 

 

Though uncertain about the future, we decided to celebrate the 15^th year of PNLIT with our stakeholders. We had already invited, in person, the heads of government departments (CCed) when we received the notice on 19^th June (attached). We went ahead with our celebration on the 28th. Two days later, we sent our response to the notice and withdrew our staff. 

 

We hope that the court will not delay its verdict and that it would enable BBMP to renew their MOU with us and our fellow citizen groups. Meanwhile, our Trust Deed permits other initiatives to improve the areas surrounding the lake. We will consider these in due course. For the present, we shall take a break from community service, surely well-deserved after more than 15 years of “living with the lake” each day! 

 

Having expelled us, the Lakes Division is bound to take excellent care of Puttenahalli Puttakere. We’d like to urge them to take equally good care of all the lakes that still exist in the city and which are in their custody because every lake matters. 

 

Puttenahalli Lake was a triumph of collective action. This video captured the essence of the endeavour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTHUc-hw_Tc 

 

With heartfelt thanks to all for your tremendous support to PNLIT and Puttenahalli Puttakere. 

 

Satyameva Jayate

 

Yours truly, 

 

Trustees

PUTTENAHALLI NEIGHBOURHOOD LAKE IMPROVEMENT TRUST

RGN NO.BNG(U)-JPN-129-2010-11

Registered Office: B3, 502, South City, Arekere Mico Layout,

Off Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru 560076

Telephone: +91 80 41206057 / Mob. 72597 22996
E-mail: puttenah...@gmail.com

Website: http://www.puttenahallilake.in 

Usha Rajagopalan, Chairperson, co-founder PNLIT

South City

 

Arathi Manay, Managing Trustee, co-founder PNLIT

Brigade Millennium (currently residing in Richmond Town)

 

Nandhini Sriraaman, Treasurer

Adarsh Rhythm

 

Nupur Jain, Jt Managing Trustee

Brigade Millennium 

 

O P Ramaswamy, co-founder PNLIT

Brigade Millennium

 

Sangita Agrawal, Trustee

South City

 

Divya Shetty, Trustee

Brigade Palm Springs

 

[subramanian krishnaswamy]

Shocking :( 

Thanks for your handwork and periodic updates - if there is something we commoners can do to retrieve the situation, pls let us know.

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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[Kaustubh Rau]

Dear Usha and others, 

This is indeed sad news. Puttenahalli kere has been a shining example of how lake rejuvenation should be done and it has been a haven for plants, animals, birds and of course all the people visiting it daily. I hope the BBMP will see that the future of lake restoration lies in community involvement only then will all the lakes survive and thrive. 

With all my support, 

Kaustubh Rau

[Vishnupriya Hathwar]

Namaskara team, 

This particular order is indeed a punch in the face and gut to everyone who has worked directly or indirectly with PNLIT and the lake. We raise the awareness, the money, spend blood and sweat just to be accused of polluting the lake... is taking things a bit too far. 15 years of working WITH the BBMP and other Govt. bodies to ensure the survival of the lake (with all evidence of work given) and asked to step back without any valid reason is not something we expected from the BBMP and the Lakes Division. 

Its a very disturbing future for all of us including the lake indeed! All of us who worked to bring the lake to this conserved state would like to see this order being discussed and rethought about and better decisions be made for benefit of all.

Regards,

Vishnupriya Hathwar

http://vishnupriyahathwar.blogspot.com/

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[C Narayanan]

Feel so sad. After so many years of untiring work by the team, it is sad to hear this news. Hope the government takes care of it well.

Narayanan 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 13, 2025, at 10:57 AM, Usha Rajagopalan <puttenah...@gmail.com> wrote:



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<Lakes Div Notice to PNLIT June 2025.pdf>

<Lakes Div notice English translation.pdf>

<Gift of a Tree.jpeg>

<Removing name boards 12 July 2025.jpeg>

<Star Municipal Leadership Trophy.jpeg>

<Prajavani 27 May 2025.jpeg>

<Prajavani 30 May 2025.jpeg>

[Aruna Gopal]

It’s truly a sad news and a blow to the community spirit.  

Aruna Gopal 

System Analyst

School of Architecture

Ramaiah Institute of Technology

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[Mukund Acharya]

Dear Madam/Sir,

Lakes in Bangalore are so fragile that everyone in the city has to step up to support it. People’s apathy and lack of funds with govt to support lakes is a well known issue. PNLIT came to the rescue of the lake when others had given up and toiled selflessly for over 15 years to protect it. 

I hope the courts, the government and BBMP recognize the exceptional work that PNLIT has put in and allow the trust to continue supporting this small lake in JP Nagar even if it is well within the BBMP jurisdiction and with their support. I pray that the lake continues to thrive no matter what we humans decide.

Regards,

Mukund

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[Percy N. Pavri]

It is indeed a sad day. We are now the vigilance team members of all the lakes in town.  Our roles are being changed. The accountability is now entire on BBMP & they should be held to account for it. 

Stay active, stay vigilant. We owe this to our lakes and water bodies.  Good intentions & God will be our guide & strength always. 

God bless everyone who made it happen all these years. Stay proud, stay vigilant, stay proactive. 

Warmest regards,

Percy Pavri 

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Subject: [PNLIT] Re: PNLIT quits nurturing Puttenahalli Puttakere - Lakes Division order

 

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[Sagarika Basak]

Well done on the conservation! 

I trust the government will now take over and do a good job. We can probably keep an eye and raise a complaint if they fall short! 

Thank you all for all your hard work and efforts! 

Thanks,

Sagarika

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[G. Giridhar]

Dear Usha and dedicated team members, this is most unexpected and shocking development. I do hope the court will restore our opportunity to continue to contribute to restoration of our lake. So many years of dedicated service to mother nature will not go waste as justice will be given to us by courts. This is my belief and prayer. Am ever willing to do my bit towards this result.

Best regards 

Giridhar 

C-2/1303

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[Ravi Neelakantan]

Dear Usha,

An absolutely disappointing turn of events. I am confident that the efforts put in by sincere and dedicated persons in the PNLIT for the rejuvenation and upkeep of the lake will not go waste. Nature has its own way of getting back into position for the long term benefit of humans - again a product of nature.

Most of all, hearty thanks and congratulations to you and all your colleagues for contributing selflessly towards the beauty of the surroundings.

All good wishes,

N Ravi

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[Subbarao Prabhala]

What a shame!

I am mystified why BBMP should have any objection for a Residents' Welfare Association from looking after a lake in their midst. 

The same BBMP, when KS Satish was Chief Engineer, asked me as Chairman of Bangalore Environment Trust, to get Corporate Sponsors for maintenance of Lakes. BET managed to rope in over 10 foreign company members of UnitedWay (Bangalore) to look after several lakes. If I remember correctly, Mr Siddiah was the Commissioner.

May I suggest that you with your colleagues seek a meeting with Ch Engr Lakes and Commr BBMP and find out the real reason for this unnecessary act.

Regardsa.

Captain S. Prabhala IN (Retd)
9/8 Haudin Road

Bangalore 560042

India

Tel: 080 4153 6655, 29509603

Mob 990062378

[sapana rawat]

It is heart breaking to read this. 15 years of continuous citizen participation in taking care of their public common comes to an end!

Why and Why now? Will the local government officials answer it? 

In the media the government and all the officials ( BBMP Commissioner, Special Commissioner etc) are always talking about citizen engagement and participation and calling residents to more engaged!!  

While in reality they ask committed groups like PNLIT to take a hike. 

Hoping PNLIT and groups will win this battle and get their neighbourhood lakes under their care soon.

In support and solidarity,

-Sapana

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[Deepa Mohan]

Dear Usha and PNLIT team....whatever you see fit as the way forward.....we will follow. We will not allow so much of sustained effort got to waste. it is to be hoped that the new order would not be like the moribund Lake Development Authority of older times.

Cheers, Deepa. 

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[Daya Prahlad]

Dear Puttakere aficionados, 

The news of your forced disengagement  from our beloved Puttenahalli lake has come as a bolt from the blue. 

Each time I came home to Bangalore  from Kodagu where I stay now for most part, I made it a point to visit,our,dear lake as frequently as I could. It gave me such peace and hope.

Thank you so much Usha Rajgopalan and team for your selfless service towards environment  and humanity.

Please keep the group running.  I would like to do my bit in someway possible

Daya Prahlad

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[Vinay Kumar]

It is really shocking to know. Your dedication and commitment to preserve this lake is exemplary. Let us hope they will encourage interested citizens.

with regards

Dr. K H Vinayakumar, IFS (Rtd)

EMPRI FELLOW ENVIRONMENT and Director(Research)Rtd

Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI)

Dept of Forests, Ecology and Environment, Govt. of Karnataka

Hasiru Bhavana, Doresanipalya Forest Campus, Vinayaka Nagara Circle

JP Nagar 5th Phase, Bangalore 560078.

Ph: Mob: 9611135140 : off - 08026490746/7

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[Kamesh Babu R]

Dear Usha & Team PNLIT,

PNLIT’s tireless efforts over the past 15+ years in transforming and nurturing Puttenahalli Lake stand as a shining example of what committed citizens can achieve. From a dying water body to a thriving ecosystem and community hub, their journey has inspired countless others across Bengaluru. It’s heartbreaking to hear that the Lake Division has asked them to withdraw from caring for the very lake they helped revive with so much passion, perseverance, and public participation. When citizen involvement is discouraged instead of supported, we risk losing not just green spaces but also public trust. PNLIT’s model of stewardship deserves appreciation, not alienation. Their work bridged gaps between the community and government, proving collaboration works. I sincerely hope the authorities will reconsider this decision and enable such dedicated groups to continue their service—because every lake, and every citizen-led effort, truly matters.

Regards,

Kamesh

[vishnu sreenivas]

Dear Usha Aunty,

I’m truly at a loss for words reading this message. Puttenahalli Lake has been such a constant in my life—from the days when it was gasping for survival to the time it blossomed into a green, vibrant haven for birds, butterflies, and people alike. It’s been a part of my childhood, my memories, and my sense of home.

I know firsthand the sheer volume of work that has gone into bringing the lake to where it is today. None of it happened by chance—it was all because of your leadership, perseverance, and the collective spirit you built around the lake. You didn’t just restore a lake; you built a community, and you gave people like me the privilege of being part of something larger than ourselves.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you and the team have done. PNLIT’s legacy will always be alive in every ripple of the water and every birdcall at the lake. I hope this is not an end, but just a pause in the journey.

With love and deepest respect,

Vishnu Sreenivas

On 13 Jul 2025, at 8:30 PM, Kamesh Babu R <kames...@hotmail.com> wrote:



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[Sandhya K]

Dear Usha, Nupur and Team PNLIT,
I have walked in that park and seen the beautiful trees  and birds perching on them. Behind the scenes there was a lot of hard work from you all to give the bio diversity to the place. Having volunteered couple of times at the lake, i know first hand the passion you all had in reviving the lake . There was no trace of any selfish interest.

For any such project to be successful, it is imperative to have partnership with well meaning citizens who can be the extended hands and eyes of the officials. I wish this continued and slum dwellings part of the park could have beautified.

Sad to see you all go. 

Regards
Sandhya

> Telephone: +91 80 41206057 / Mob. 72597 22996E-mail: puttenah...@gmail.com

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[Vijayalakshmi Kutty]

The news of the disengagement with PNLIT by BBMP shocked and confused me. 

I've been a volunteer at Puttenahalli lake for nearly 10 years now and have been privileged to see the amazing work put in by PNLIT to rejuvenate and maintain the lake. There was a personal touch to every aspect of the care given to the lake and ever so often this spilled over into appreciation by the many visitors to Puttenahalli lake.

This cherishing by the neighborhood held value as there was a constant call by government bodies for collaboration with citizen groups in lake maintainance. Everything was working well. Therefore when the order for disengagement arrived, it was baffling! Why? Because as evidenced,  a citizen group working in collaboration with BBMP has always been fruitful.

I am hopeful this is a temporary withdrawal and we are back to when communities worked in alliance and corporation with BBMP to maintain a neighbourhood lake, because history has proven this only reaps benifits for all  of us. 

Let's work together because all lakes deserve the best.

My support to this accord remains steadfast.

Regards 

Vijayalakshmi Kutty

 

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[Jay Govind]

This news is not only saddening but also deeply disturbing! The work done by PNLIT trustees and volunteers over the past 15+ years is now being viewed as interference? That’s truly outrageous. Puttakere is a source of pride for the neighbouring residents and serves as the only lung-space for numerous apartment complexes in the area. The lake’s upkeep by PNLIT—keeping it clean and well-maintained—has played a crucial role in conserving and nurturing biodiversity. Bird life has flourished here, with a wide range of birds, both large and small, calling the lake their home. This, in turn, has supported many other life forms in and around the lake. Every year, migratory birds and butterflies return to the lake, thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteers and gardeners who have been dedicated to preserving its flora and fauna.

Here is a sample eBird list recorded this summer:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S213963419

And some pictures of the lake:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KczRfUoiuRiWsw4k6

It is beyond comprehension how anyone could seek to obstruct such sincere and commendable work!

A disheartened lake volunteer… 

[Prajna Dutt]

While most citizen groups battle at every step with government authorized bodies, just to do some good, what keeps them going is the slow but results anyway that we see. 

But these kind of childish, silly, immature moves from a body that is supposed to support its citizens, is extremely dangerous.

It makes us wonder if there is any justice left! It makes us sad and angry at the same time. 

We now expect responsible positions to act in favor of what is proven to be a good model. 

Regards,

Prajna

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[John Varghese]

Really disappointed and confused. 

Why should any government body cut off a civic body who is doing an excellent service. The backbone of any successful project is the guided and result oriented cooperation between the civic bodies and governments organisation. That is the best scenario we should have. Instead we see the situation whereby the organisation is going backwards. 

Varghese john 

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[sonali sathaye]

Dear Mr Commissioner and others,

It is a matter of deep consternation, sadness and indeed shame - as a committed Bangalore resident - that the BBMP has chosen to summarily terminate the efforts of one of the truly selfless and effective ecologically minded citizen groups  this city has seen blossom over the last fifteen years.

While large filthy polluting "black spots" proliferate on the outskirts and within the city creating death zones for living creatures, turning air and water into hazardous elements, the oasis created by PNLIT - with the encouragement and support of the BBMP - had allowed citizens of all ages, classes and communities a respite, a place to develop mental and physical health.

What possible reason could justify the ending of such a citizen led project in a city that already suffers a global reputation for its bureaucracy, horrendous traffic and concomitant air pollution? The BBMP seems to base its actions on considerations other than citizen welfare - those should at least take into consideration its own reputation and good name!

Please do reconsider your decision so we may all - citizens & government - continue to collaborate on work that offers many many living beings a chance at survival.

Dr Sonali Sathaye

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[Surabhi Joshi]

Dear PNLIT Committee members,

It's so disheartening to see such a great initiative coming to an end.

Me, my son Rohan and his friends have beautiful memories of visiting the lake for the 5 yrs we lived in Brigade Millennium. We have attended several activities organized by PNLIT for kids and were a regular at monthly pruning/maintenance activity lead by Sapana.

We really wish and hope that BBMP renews the MoU and PNLIT gets back in action!! Please let us know if we could be of any help.

Thanks,

Surabhi

[Samuel John]

Dear Usha and the entire PNLIT team,

You and your lake have given me more than I am capable of giving back - and I'm certain thousands of people, birds, spiders and insects echo my feelings. I hope alongside you for a just verdict on the matter.

Until then, please take a well-deserved moment to rest and reflect on the incredible achievements you have made, and those I am confident you will continue to accomplish.

Thank you,

John

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[Jagadeesh Maiya]

I couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed by so many of you. I too feel betrayed, saddened, and confused — where are we heading?

To the concerned officials cc'ed here:

There is a saying in Kannada, ಕುಂಬಾರನಿಗೆ ವರುಷ ದೊಣ್ಣೆಗೆ ನಿಮಿಷ, meaning "It just takes a second to destroy what is built over years."
The news below is a blow to the resurrected lake ecosystem and to lakhs of people who have benefited from it, directly and indirectly.

If you don't want community involvement in maintaining this fragile lake, do you truly care about its presence in the first place? Isn't the very purpose of government bodies governing public spaces like lakes to ensure that the community has a stake in its preservation by actively engaging with it? In this case, PNLIT, led by Usha and her team, has dedicated their blood, sweat, tears — indeed, their entire soul — to revive the dying lake, which now flourishes and sustains life, as well as the countless residents who have been grateful for what the lake has provided over the past decade and a half.

Do you want them to stop now and risk the entire lake’s future?

The timing of this action couldn't be more suspicious.

Recent news: "The World Bank has approved a $426 million loan — approximately Rs 3,700 crore (almost 20% of a yearly BBMP budget!) — for the 'Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme,' aimed at improving water security and resilience in Bengaluru, including reviving 183 lakes."

Do you want to do all this alone? Don't you think the community — the final beneficiaries of such schemes — should be involved? Or will this also turn into a scam, where citizen groups are sidelined and vigilance is kept at bay?

In this context, all of your roles serve a single purpose — to provide public service for the welfare of the community by protecting the environment.

By excluding PNLIT, you are doing the exact opposite. You are ignoring the people and the nature that sustain us.

Where will this lead?

The only way to resolve this mess is to revisit the court order with clarity: "The State Government shall not execute any such MOU with any corporate entity."

PNLIT is not a corporate entity — it is an NGO comprised of residents living by the lake, with the sole interest of serving both the lake and the surrounding community.

Please involve them again. That is the only way to truly serve the community and environment you are entrusted with.

As the Dasavani says, "ಕೆರೆಯ ನೀರನು ಕೆರೆಗೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲಿ ವರವ ಪಡೆದವರಂತೆ ಕಾಣಿರೋ" — the only way to find redemption is to work together with those you are accountable to. Stay blessed.

Thanks and Regards
Jagadeesh Maiya

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[Manya Harsha]

Dear PNLIT Team,

It was with a heavy heart that I came across the article in The Hindu regarding PNLIT stepping away from the maintenance of Puttenahalli Lake. As someone who began her environmental journey right there — by the calm waters of that very lake — this news feels deeply personal and painful.

Puttenahalli Lake has been more than just a water body to me. It was a space that sparked my love for nature, my understanding of sustainability, and my desire to make a difference. The ripples in that lake carried my earliest dreams of conservation. I still remember watching the birds, the lilies blooming, the quiet hum of life it nurtured — all of it made me believe in the power of community and care.

The efforts of PNLIT have inspired not just me but hundreds across the city. What you built was not just an ecological revival, but a movement of hope. Your dedication, your countless hours of volunteering, the awareness drives, clean-up campaigns — they showed us what citizen action can achieve.

To hear that your journey with the lake has reached such a point, especially due to administrative issues, is truly disheartening. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to take this step after years of unwavering love and service.

Please know that your legacy will always remain in the hearts of young eco-warriors like me. You planted more than trees — you planted values.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for nurturing Puttenahalli Lake and for inspiring so many of us to walk the green path. If there is any way I can support or amplify your voice during this time, please do let me know.

Yours Sincerely,

Manya Harsha

Environmental Enthusiast | Author | Founder of Sunshine Magazine

[Poonam Pandey]

This is very disheartening. I have been living here for decades and
have witnessed the transformation of that lake and the effort and
dedication that various members have put in it. A collaborative
approach with neighbouring communities to maintain and conserve our
lakes was such a progressive and effective move. And the result speaks
for itself – it’s a spot of beauty now. For years my ward had a safe
and beautiful path to school which has become such a rarity in cities.
Can it be maintained to such a standard without community
participation?

PNLIT, thanks for so clearly explaining your exit as protectors and
nurturers of the lake. I now understand why we were asked to hold off
donations.

I am really grateful to the work you have done all these years and I
hope this issue is resolved favourably. Our green spaces are our most
valuable assets.

Regards
Poonam

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Usha Rajagopalan <puttenah...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2025 at 17:42
Subject: [SouthCity_Residents] PNLIT quits nurturing Puttenahalli
Puttakere - Lakes Division order

To: <pn...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Commissioner BBMP <co...@bbmp.gov.in>, Preeti Gehlot
<scfec...@gmail.com>, chief engineer Lakes <cebbm...@gmail.com>,
Member Secretary KSPCB <m...@kspcb.gov.in>, <kscb...@rediffmail.com>,
<pcc...@gmail.com>, APCCF RU BLORE <apc...@gmail.com>,
<ktcd...@gmail.com>, <dfkar...@gmail.com>, <dcu...@nic.in>,
<chai...@bwssb.gov.in>, <m...@bescom.co.in>

Visit SUGRUHA website for Community information: http://www.sugruha.in/

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[Vinay Kumar]

Dear Nature lovers,              Very sensible and emotional letter apprising PNLIT's dedicated service written by Manya Harsha. Hats off to Manya Harsha for remembering all the efforts of you all lead by Madam Usha Rajagopal. Hope things will change soon. My support and appreciation for all of your sincere and enthusiastic effort is there forever. I have seen all the activities like cleaning, awareness creation, botanization, bird watching, floating vegetation mats, etc.in Puttenahalli lake.EMPRI has brought its staff for participation in cleaning and awareness building programs in association with PNLIT and LDA/BBMP on World Water day for many years. EMPRI also has analysed Lake water.May the better sense prevails.

with regards

Dr. K H Vinayakumar, IFS (Rtd), Chief Conservator of Forests (FRM)Rtd,

EMPRI FELLOW ENVIRONMENT and Director(Research)Rtd.

Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI)

Dept of Forests, Ecology and Environment, Govt. of Karnataka

Hasiru Bhavana, Doresanipalya Forest Campus, Vinayaka Nagara Circle

JP Nagar 5th Phase, Bangalore 560078.

Ph: Mob: 9611135140 : 

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[Pepe Puchol-Salort (ext)]

Dear Usha,

 

These are truly disheartening news.

 

I sincerely hope that this situation can be resolved soon and that your invaluable involvement at Puttenahalli Lake is restored.

 

During my visit, it was clear to me that your commitment to the lake goes far beyond a simple activity, it is a life mission, reflected in the remarkable transformation you and the PNLIT team have achieved over the years.

 

Thank you for sharing this update. Please know that if there is anything I can do from my side, I would be very happy to support.

 

With warm regards,

 

Pepe

 

Dr Pepe Puchol-Salort (he/him)

Hoffmann Fellow in Water Innovation

PhD, MSc, ARB Environmental Systems Architect (BSc+MArch)

 

Centre for Nature and Climate

Word Economic Forum

91-93 Route de la Capite, Cologny/Geneva

 

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Imperial College London 

London SW7 2AZ

 

Tel: (+44) 7597517562 

WhatsApp: (+34) 659393383 
X: @Pepepuchol

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[vidula k]

Dear Usha, and entire PNLIT team,

If the flora and fauna, the fish or birds, or another life form on the lake could say what was done all these years with selfless dedication and care, it would stand in stead at any obstacle or opposition.

When agencies are streched in managing so many aspects of urban infrastructure, who wouldn't want community support and collaboration?

 CSR is not community. Community is not CSR.

Nurturing Mother Nature is a blessing and thank you for giving us all the opportunity to be part of it. 

Hope the initiatives for the future see progress, with our puttakere thriving.

Vidula

Resident of Brigade Palm springs, 7 phase, JP Nagar.

Yahoo Mail: Search, organise, conquer

[Usha Rajagopalan]

Dear Friends,

We are overwhelmed and humbled by your tremendous outpouring of outrage, regret, support and sympathy to PNLIT on being told to discontinue maintaining and protecting Puttakere. Our sincere apologies for not replying to each one of you personally. Some of you asked why BBMP issued the notice. It may be best for you to make your own conclusions from the press reports that followed, a few are attached.  

Puttenahalli Lake meant a great deal to all. One activity that we cherished was our "Classes at the lake" programme held from 2012 to 2015.  https://citizenmatters.in/4563-classes-at/ ; http://plog.puttenahallilake.in/2015/05/our-triumphant-trio.html

For Mr. C Narayanan, a volunteer teacher from Brigade Millennium, it was a new beginning. He continues to teach at the age of 81! His message is given below. 

We look forward to receiving, and preserving, your special memories and photographs of Puttenahalli Puttakere. 

With best regards

PNLIT team

On Thu, Jul 24, 2025 at 2:09 PM C Narayanan <csni...@aol.com> wrote:

I was saddened to hear the news about the recent developments with regard to PNLIT and Puttenahalli lake.

The trustees have gone through several phases of joy and sorrow to make it a viable, healthy lake with fresh water and natural beauty with birds, fish etc. A lesser known fact is how PNLIT promoted education of the underprivileged around the lake.

After living in the US for over 40 years when I returned to Bangalore in 2012 I wanted to get involved in volunteering and serve the community. One morning when I was walking at the lake I met Mrs. Usha Rajagopalan. During our casual conversation Usha raised the topic about educating the children who live along the slum. It lit a fire in my belly and thus started my journey as a teacher or “ tuition uncle” (as I am now called). I used to sit in the Gazebo in the lake and teach the children. By word of mouth more children joined and I had them come to my home for the classes. 

One of my first students, whose dad is an auto driver, now works for a software company. So does another girl whose mother is a cook. Both have been employed for the past 4 years after finishing their degrees in Computer Science. As a matter of fact, 3 of my students are graduating this year in Computer Engineering. 

I am relating the above to tell you how PNLIT gave the kids an opportunity to learn and rise in life. They gave hope to the families.

My sincere thanks to the team and to the many residents who extended financial support to the children.  

Narayanan 

"Tuition uncle" 

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/jul/14/from-a-class-3-kid-to-a-college-fresher-they-all-owe-it-to-76-year-old-tuition-uncle-2003606.html

Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) 

https://www.puttenahallilake.in/