1) Puttenahalli Lake in Bangalore was restored between 2010-2011 through efforts of local residents and PNLIT, transforming from a marshy dump yard to a thriving habitat. 2) PNLIT was formed in 2010 and signed an agreement with BBMP to maintain the lake for 3 years. Over 200 trees were planted and the lake supports over 60 bird species. 3) The lake is now a popular recreation area and nature education site, hosting volunteer activities, bird watching, and community gardening. PNLIT continues restoration work and managing water and waste to preserve the lake ecosystem.

1. Jan 5, 2013
January 2013
PNLIT
Puttenahalli Lake – The Citizens’ Lake

2. Flashback to 2008
Lake practically non-existent.
A marshy dump yard.
Encroached by hutments.

3. Campaigning commenced in 2009/ 2010
• A group of residents from L&T South City got together to start “Save the
Lake” campaign with a mission to put Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar 7th
Phase on the BBMP list of lakes for restoration
• BBMP commenced restoration in 2010
• A charitable trust Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust
(PNLIT) was formed in 2010

4. Restoration process gained momentum in 2010/11
• 200 trees planted in Jul-Oct 2010 by the Trust to restore indigenous plant
species
• PNLIT signed a MOU with BBMP to maintain lake for three years, in May
2011
June 2010
October 2010

5. Lake today – Teems with rich aquatic life, attracts
people, recharges the water table, prevents flooding
The lake has a 920 m walkway,
gazebo, toilets and security cabin.
PNLIT employs a sweeper, two
gardeners. Other help as needed.

6. Present Day – A bird habitat
More than 60 bird
species spotted at
the lake so far!
Birds photographed at Puttenahalli Lake

7. Present Day – A place of recreation
Walk, run, read,
watch the birds
or just spend time.

8. Present Day – A place for nature lovers
The lake encourages
experts and novices to
engage with nature.

9. Honours for PNLIT – 2012
PNLIT – Helping the
government to help ourselves.

10. Activities – Tree planting, Community gardening

11. Activities – Guided bird watching, nature walks

12. Activities – Creative workshops
Screen printing
Nature journaling

13. Activities – Corporate volunteering

14. Facilities introduced – cycle stand, wheel-chair access, exercise
space, educational sighting boards

15. Managing water
No idol immersion in lake waters
Getting more water into the lake
Rain water harvesting

16. Managing waste
Segregation bins
Composting
Working with the BBMP

17. Teach program, Cloth bags
Educational support
Alternatives to plastic
and paper bags

18. Increasing awareness of the importance of lakes in Bangalore

19. Tasks ahead – 2013
• Diversion channels to harvest rain water from Brigade
Millennium and other streets.
• De-weed lake bed.
• Irrigation pipeline.
• Plant more shrubs and trees.
• More volunteer activities .
• Continue pursuing relocation of encroachments.
• Build Corpus Fund.

20. The PNLIT Trustees – Jan 2013
Nupur Prasanna Usha Ramaswamy Arathi

21. • Registered under the Indian Trust Act
• Registered u/s 12AA of the Income Tax Act
• Donations to PNLIT are exempt u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act
Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT)
B3, 502, South City
Arekere Mico Layout
Off Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore 560076
Phone: +91 80-41206057
Cell no: +91 7259722996
Email: puttenahalli.lake@gmail.com / pnlitonline@gmail.com