The last update sent a month ago had expressed hope that the BWSSB and BBMP would soon complete their work to protect the lake from sewage. Covid-19 scotched this. Eight migrant workers continue to stay at the site premises but are unable to work because the rest of their team are confined in their homes. Will they be able to finish before the monsoon?
Following the BBMP Commissioner's order, the lake has been made inaccessible to the public.
Six weeks into our donation drive, we raised a decent amount of Rs. 6.23 lakhs. It is way below our target of Rs. 10 lakhs. A couple of weeks ago, a well wisher had generously offered to match donations to an amount of Rs. One lakh. However, with everybody's concern centering around the virus and the lock down, we didn't think it was right to inform residents about this kind offer and ask them to donate to the upkeep of the lake.
When the all clear is announced and life returns to normal, we will have to grapple with the shortfall. Our biggest expense is staff salaries. They are so dedicated, that they have been coming early in the morning to water the plants. For their safety, we have asked them to come to work once in two or three days. Moreover, we need to be careful about how much we spend on water because, with the lake long gone dry, we are forced to get tankers and they are so expensive!
Earlier this week, we got to know that some families living on the lake bund were in desperate need for provisions. With PNLIT volunteer Sapana Rawat taking the lead and roping in Deepubai, our former student (http://plog.puttenahallilake.
Be Safe. Stay Indoors. Above all, Respect Mother Earth!
