Sarakki Lake

Sarakki Lake is a large, historic lake located in the southern part of Bengaluru, in the J.P. Nagar area, covering around 82 to 92 acres. It was once known as "Saavira Hakki Kere," meaning "a thousand birds," due to the diverse birdlife it hosted. Over the years, the lake suffered from severe pollution, sewage inflow, and encroachment, shrinking its area and degrading its ecosystem.

Starting in 2012, a local citizens' group called the Sarakki Lake Area Improvement Trust, along with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), led extensive efforts to restore the lake. These efforts included clearing encroachments, setting up a sewage treatment plant, desilting, and planting trees.

The rejuvenation has improved water quality, raised groundwater levels, supported aquatic life, and brought back bird species, making Sarakki Lake a thriving urban ecosystem that provides water security to nearly two lakh residents and serves as a valuable green space and "oxygen bank" in the city. Despite ongoing challenges like fencing and pollution control, the lake's revival is considered a successful model for urban lake restoration in Bengaluru.