Idols, broken pots emerge from desilted Ulsoor lake in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Deep-desilting of 108-acre Ulsoor lake — one of the biggest and oldest in Bengaluru with its signature three islands — has thrown up fragments of claypots, fragments, stone sculptures, besides mounds of household waste.Shards of clay pots and idols raised questions about their archaeological significance. An inspection by the department of archaeology on Feb 25 said most of the 14 sculptures discovered during the desilting process are modern. Experts said the idols may have been discarded into the lake during renovation or reconstruction of nearby temples. They do not hold significant historical value, according to Bengaluru Central City Corporation.One Ganesha idol of 200-year vintage, has been handed over to the department for its likely antiquity value.The Rs 24-crore project aims to increase the lake's depth, improve water storage and raise groundwater table in the neighbourhood. The lake has 15 acres of wetland and the rest is primary waterbody.The lake was drained out in Jan and desilting started in Feb. Nearly 10% moisture remains in the desilted lakebed.The sight of the partially drained lake triggered reactions online, linking it to Bengaluru's ongoing water concerns. Several residents shared photographs of the exposed lakebed, saying it could affect groundwater levels. Others urged authorities to complete work before April rain. Officials maintained that the exercise is part of a comprehensive restoration plan for one of the city's prominent lakes.Saying the previous desilting was done nearly 30 years ago and bunds needed to be repaired, Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad Khan said the desilting was essential to remove decades of sediment accumulation and restore the lake's capacity. "The lake requires beautification too," he said.Authorities have urged the citizens not to panic, emphasising the draining is part of a planned effort to restore the lake's ecological health and ensure long-term sustainability.Rajendra Cholan, BCCC commissioner, explained that the project would also help raise groundwater levels in surrounding areas. "Removing the thick silt layer will allow the lake to store fresh rainwater more effectively in the coming seasons," Cholan said. "We cannot accurately measure the total volume of silt removed because its moisture content varies," an official part of the cleanup explained.As part of beautification, the lake will get a two-level walkway and its bunds will be strengthened. "The walkway will provide citizens a safe and convenient path for walking," Cholan said. A bridge linking the lake to a nearby park is under construction. The neighbouring park will be developed with new plant species to enhance greenery and biodiversity.Officials noted the increased water depth could make a part of the lake suitable for training by National Disaster Response Force.++++3 ISLANDS TO GET MAKEOVER* 8 excavators and 40 compactors involved in lake desilt* Dug-up silt sent to Mittaganahalli landfill* Lake desilted up to 1.5 metres* Silt and waste enter lake through 2 inlets: from Kalyani side and Frazer Town* During heavy rain, garbage and sediment flow in through drains* Wetland desilting to complete in 15 days; primary waterbody may take time* Bund built years ago being repaired* Ornamental grills planned along lake boundary to improve safety and waterfront's visual appeal* 3 islands to be rebuilt to deepen lake's ecosystem and overall environment+++++FOUND IN THE LAKEFragments of boats Navagraha and Ganesh idols School bags Plastic covers Milk packets Earthen pots Bedsheets, clothes and glass bottles++++IDOLS FROM TEMPLE?Sculptures removed from the lake include one-foot Navagraha idols, three-foot Shani idol, two-foot Bhairava, marble Dattatreya and Ganesha idols. The archaeology dept said all sculptures, except one Ganesha idol, do not possess much historical significance. Experts said the idols may have been discarded into the lake during renovation or reconstruction of nearby temples.