Today, 11th June 2026, marks 16 years of our NGO, Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT).
Google remembers!
When the Trust was formed in 2010, our primary focus was to support the municipality in caring for the newly rejuvenated Puttenahalli Lake in JP Nagar 7th Phase. We wanted to ensure that it did not relapse into disrepair for want of continued care and maintenance. In 2011, we entered into an agreement with BBMP and nurtured the lake until June 2025, when BBMP, and later GBA, took over its maintenance.
While maintaining lakes and other public open spaces is ultimately the responsibility of the government, we believe that residents living in the vicinity have a responsibility as well. Over the past year, we have remained vigilant, bringing to the attention of the authorities, issues like sewage inflow, drying vegetation, and other concerns affecting Puttenahalli Puttakere.
In keeping with the objectives of the Trust, we have also continued to engage the wider community through activities such as:
- Nature walks
- Groundwater recharge study with Biome
- Bird counts
- Lake clean-up in partnership with the Indian Ploggers Army
- Noise monitoring with Noisewatchers
- Publication of the children's book The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes, along with its Kannada translation, to create awareness and foster appreciation for Bengaluru's lakes among younger generations.
As PNLIT enters another year, we reaffirm our commitment to complement GBA's efforts to protect, preserve and nurture Puttenahalli Puttakere. We will continue to undertake activities that further the objectives of the Trust and, in our own small way, contribute towards making Bengaluru a better place to live.
Recently PNLIT partnered with Noisewatchers in monitoring the noise levels in south Bangalore.
Noisewatchers is a movement fighting sound pollution in our cities through awareness building on social media, in-person programs and advocacy with authorities. As part of this movement, the team needed to collate sound intensity data.
There is data collected by KSPCB but this is inadequate with only ten monitoring stations across Bangalore and the data is not shared live. In order to compensate for this and to ask for more and better monitoring, Noisewatchers wanted to rent the same monitoring device as distributed by the KSPCB to police stations and use it to measure sound at spots where KSPCB does not.
On 15th and 16th April 2026, they measured sound intensity at four spots in the JP Nagar - Banashankari - Jayanagar region. At each spot, they measured min, max and average sound for the duration of measure along with gps location and the primary source of sound.
Noise meter (Pic: Prajna Dutt)
Read the report of the data collected and action taken with this data, on the Noisewatchers blog here.
On 5th June, World Environment Day, PNLIT joined the celebrations at Government High School, Puttenahalli, marking the occasion with the release of "ಮಳೆ ಹಿಡಿದಿಡಲು ಕಲಿತ ನಗರ: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕೆರೆಗಳ ಕತೆ", the Kannada translation of The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes.
The school, which has over 1,300 students from LKG to Class 10 studying in both Kannada and English medium, had organised an impressive programme highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. Teachers and students had put together thoughtful presentations using posters, placards and live plants to demonstrate why protecting the environment matters and what each of us can do to contribute.
One of the teachers introduced PNLIT and its work to the students. Long-time well-wisher and volunteer Jagadeesh Maiya then spoke about the environment, Bengaluru's lakes and the role they continue to play in the city's ecology and water security. Referring to the book, he expressed the hope that it would help young readers understand why lakes remain vital to the city's future. It was particularly special that both the author, Arathi Manay, and the translator, Uma Rajanna, were present for the occasion, along with PNLIT trustees Nandhini, Nupur and Sangita, volunteer Prajna and a few other well-wishers. The Kannada edition of the book was formally released by Mr. Manjunath, Principal of the Primary and Middle School section.
Copies of the English and Kannada editions of the book were presented to the school for distribution among the children and for the library - so that students could continue exploring the story of Bengaluru's lakes and their importance to the city.
The school itself left a strong impression. Its airy classrooms, vibrant primary school spaces and confident students reflected a nurturing learning environment. Particularly noteworthy was the school's well-equipped science laboratory, where students have access to advanced tools such as a laser cutter and 3D printer under the guidance of full-time teachers. It was inspiring to see such facilities fostering curiosity, creativity and innovation among young learners.
World Environment Day provided a fitting occasion to engage with the next generation and share the story of Bengaluru's lakes, reinforcing the message that environmental stewardship begins with awareness, education and a connection with the natural world around us.
If you'd like a copy of the book (English or Kannada) - please check this link https://forms.gle/2u8yEBvNiMtX1EYc8to find a pick up point or mail option.
The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes is a small effort to help young readers connect with the ecology and community spirit that surround our urban water bodies. We hope the book finds its way into many hands and sparks curiosity, care, and conversation around our lakes. The book is being shared freely with the community.
Where to Pick Up a Copy (Please call before you go)
JP Nagar 8th Phase / anywhere in Bengaluru where they have a plog! (Plog Raja Nagaraj: 96860 95959)
EDIT: ADDED LOCATIONS
JP Nagar 2nd Phase - Beku Cafe (90087 98842)
Request a Copy
Alternatively, you can express your interest in receiving a copy, and we will see how to reach it to you: https://forms.gle/2u8yEBvNiMtX1EYc8
The Book Release event
On the Saturday morning of 4th April, as the city was beginning to stir, a small group of us gathered by the edges of Puttenahalli Lake. Around us, the lake was already awake - walkers, joggers, early exercisers easing into the day. Under an overcast sky, the morning felt cool, unhurried, and full of promise.
We began with a guided nature walk led by Jay Govind, whose keen eye and infectious enthusiasm opened up a new world for many of the participants. What might otherwise have been a simple walk around the lake became a journey of discovery.
We spotted nests of grey herons perched high and hidden, the neat nesting hollows of rose-ringed parakeets, and the intricate weaver ant nests stuck into trees. We paused to listen to bird calls we might have otherwise ignored and watched closely enough to notice snakes gliding through the water and the subtle movements of fish below the surface.
It was a reminder of how much life exists around us - quietly, patiently, waiting to be seen.
We were about 25 people, from varied backgrounds and across a wide age range from about 7 to 80+. One thing possibly connected everyone: a shared love for nature. There were just two young children - perhaps the early start and recent school closures made it harder for more to join, but it didn’t matter. The childlike curiosity in the group more than made up for the small number of little ones.
The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes was released by young Mannu. There couldn’t have been a more fitting way to launch a children’s book about lakes - placed into the hands of a child, at the edge of a living, breathing lake.
This book comes from a place of hope. Hope that children and adults will notice, care, and ask questions about the lakes that dot Bengaluru. And perhaps, through that awareness, play a small part in protecting and restoring them.
One of the most heartening moments came through feedback we received that morning:
“We had the pleasure of picking up this book, The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain, directly from the author, Arathi Manay, this morning and it is a gem. While the illustrations are beautiful, the writing carries a depth that resonates just as much with adults. For those of us who grew up in older parts of Bangalore, remembering the lakes and gushing nallahs after heavy showers we were always warned to avoid, it is an evocative trip down memory lane.”
This captured exactly what we had hoped the book would do - bridge generations, memories, and experiences.
To everyone who joined us that morning, thank you. You made it memorable, meaningful, and full of life.
And to the lake, as always, thank you for being the quiet teacher at the centre of it all.
PNLIT warmly invites you to a special community morning for the release of our children’s book:
The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru’s Lakes Written by Arathi Manay
What’s planned: A guided nature walk around the lake A fun nature activity for children Community book release – pick up your free copy of the book
The book is designed for readers aged 8–11 years, but works well as a read-aloud for younger children and a shared text for families. Everyone is welcome to join.
Come spend a refreshing morning by the lake, connect with nature, and learn about Bengaluru’s lake story with us.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Meeting place: Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar 7th Phase - Gazebo on the side of the Brigade Millennium arch near MLR convention Centre Date: Saturday 4th April 2026 Timing: 7:30 a.m. - we will finish before the gates are locked at 10:00 a.m.
We hope to have related events in other parts of Bengaluru, but if you can't attend and would like a copy of the book, please fill the link (if you haven't already). https://forms.gle/jLSd1i3DEPCrdELT8
We are happy to share that PNLIT will soon be bringing out an illustrated children’s book about Bengaluru’s lakes, authored by PNLIT trustee Arathi Manay.
Creating awareness about lakes and urban water is an important part of the Trust’s work, and this book has been supported using funds earmarked for awareness-building initiatives.
Aimed at children aged 8–11, it introduces young readers to how Bengaluru’s lakes were created, how they were connected to capture and store rainwater, and why they remain so important to the city even today. With simple explanations and engaging illustrations, it helps children understand and appreciate this remarkable water system. The book is possibly among the first children’s books to introduce Bengaluru’s historic lake network to young readers.
We plan to release the book in early April, and copies will be available shortly thereafter.
If you would like to receive a copy and/or know of a school, library, or group of children who may benefit from it, please fill in the link below.
About 15 committed citizens came together this Saturday morning to clean the surroundings of Puttenahalli Lake. The drive was organised by The Indian Ploggers Army (Nagaraj and team) along with PNLIT, with the support of Greater Bengaluru Authority (South). GBA Marshal Manohar was present to encourage and participate in the effort.
Approximately 40 kg of trash was collected - including glass bottles, plastic bottles, discarded clothes, pooja items, and numerous toffee, chocolate, biscuit, and chips wrappers.
The sight of the collected waste was a stark reminder of how everyday litter adds up, and also of how collective action can make a difference.
We ended the walk by taking a pledge to take responsibility for the waste we generate, a small promise with powerful impact. Grateful for citizens who show up, care, and act.
The same spirit can extend to our streets, parks, and every public space we use. Clean surroundings are not someone else’s responsibility - they are ours. With a population as large as ours, it is unrealistic to expect the municipality to manage the growing volume of waste alone. If each of us takes ownership of the waste we generate, our neighbourhoods can transform - one street, one park, one lake at a time.
As part of the globalGreat Backyard Bird Count2026, a morning bird walk was conducted on 14th February atPuttenahalli Kere, led by Dr. Ishita Das (sincere thanks to her).
We had over 30 participants including students from Jain University and residents from the lake area and beyond.
approx 2 hours (roughly 7 - 9 a.m.) 0.8 km (Traveling count) 37 species recorded
From wetland specialists to tree-top songsters, the lake was buzzing with life. The observations indicate a healthy mix of resident waterbirds and common urban woodland species.
Indian Spot-billed Ducks & Coots (suggest healthy open water habitat)
Gray-headed Swamphens & Little Grebes (reflect stable marsh habitat)
Cormorants across three species (indicates healthy fish availability)
Herons, Egrets & a Glossy Ibis (reflect shallow water zones and abundant aquatic life)
Brahminy Kites circling overhead (suggests an active predatory layer within the lake ecosystem)
Three species of sunbirds (reflect nectar availability in flowering trees)
Insectivores such as Greenish Warbler and Ashy Prinia (suggest active foraging habitats)
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2026 will be held worldwide 13-16 February, bringing together people across countries to observe and record birds as part of a massive citizen science effort.
As part of this global event, PNLIT is hosting a community birding session in the Puttenahalli Lake (Puttakere) neighbourhood, and we warmly invite you to participate. Over 120 species of birds have been identified at the lake by different people over the years, so let us see how many we spot ourselves.
Our Event Details Date: Saturday, 14th Feb 2026 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (free to join anytime and continue beyond that as well) Starting point: gazebo at Puttenahalli Lake
Participants will join the PNLIT birding group to identify and count birds found around the lake and neighbourhood. No prior experience in birdwatching is required — this event is suitable for beginners, families, students, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Please bring water, cap, binoculars, cameras, paper and pen to record observations.
Participants are also encouraged to observe birds beyond the lake neighbourhood and record sightings from other locations during the GBBC period.
After the full GBBC event, GBBC will issue downloadable certificates to all participants who record lists with ebird/ Merlin for GBBC.
We look forward to celebrating Bengaluru’s rich birdlife together while contributing to a global conservation effort.
Do you know how does Puttenahalli Lake talk to the groundwater?
Lakes contribute to groundwater recharge. Our Puttenahalli lake (JP Nagar 7th Phase) is an example of water circularity where treated wastewater from Southcity apartment is let into the lake and it recharges the groundwater contributing to the yield of borewells in the neighborhood.
Join us to know the groundwater aspect of our lake.
Followed by the discussion on Sustainable Water Management practices in adherence with the bylaws.
We’ll start at 7:30 a.m. No registration required. Just land up at the gazebo @ Puttakere.
Bijoy Venugopal - a communications professional, travel writer and nature educator. He is the founder editor, The Green Ogre, a narrative based story telling initiative.
Event details:
📅 Sunday,16th Nov
Walk begins at 7:00 AM
Assemble by 6:45 AM
📍Meeting Point: Gazebo at Puttenahalli Lake (JP Nagar 7th Phase)
near Brigade Millennium entrance
Walk details:
Duration: Till around 9:45 AM
Terrain: Level, approximately 1 km around the lake
Suitable for all ages
What to wear:
Dull-coloured clothes
Hats/caps
Comfortable walking shoes (avoid slippers or thin-soled sandals)
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 can be seen in Kannada and English translation). 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 17th 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 skepticism 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 10th 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.
Board names
Removing the board names
Star Municipal Leadership Trophy
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 27th and 30th March 2025. https://keremanju.blogspot.com/2025/05/puttenahalli-lake-neglect-of.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 15th year of PNLIT with our stakeholders. We had already invited, in person, the heads of government departments when we received the notice on 19th June. 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.
With heartfelt thanks to all for your tremendous support to PNLIT and Puttenahalli Puttakere.
Of our three gardeners, Ramu has been with us the longest and recently completed 10 years of service at the lake. They are all good in their work with each one using a special skill which he has honed over time at the lake. If the lake and the premises look so clean, it is because of these three men.
In addition to Kannada, Ramu speaks Hindi, and understands English. In our absence, he briefs visitors about the lake and PNLIT. He has developed an interest in photography and keeps us visually updated of happenings at the lake. Today we surprised him with a gift cheque for Rs.10,000. Former trustee, Prasanna, showed his appreciation with Rs. 1,000. It was indeed a happy moment for all of us.
We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a great new year.
We wish ourselves the same too! For, truth be told, 2023 was a period of endless challenges for us at PNLIT. Puttenahalli Puttakere sailed through the year but we had to fight hard to protect it, help it thrive. Officers changed and we had to brief them on what we'd had done, build rapport with them. They changed once again and the cycle started once again. In short, 2023 was a test of endurance!
We did overcome a few challenges such as getting our FCRA certificate renewed two years and six months after submitting it for renewal. Arathi can rightly pat herself on her back for this achievement.
Usha continued the struggle to protect the lake from encroachment. Just when the light seemed to glimmer, the tunnel grew longer. The High Court had ordered eviction of the encroachers in July 2022. As soon as they got the notice, they obtained a stay order. On behalf of PNLIT, she filed an IA to implead in the writ and place the facts before the court. The Judge rejected the IA in Oct 2023 because, in his opinion, 'the Trust would not be a necessary party to the proceedings' as the petition was 'only for a mandamus for rehabilitation of the petitioners who are alleged encroachers by way of allotment of sites, so that they could vacate the encroachment.'
Who's going to allot the sites? When? Two questions for which the answers have been wrapped in layers of uncertainty from 2019.
The many crises through the year brought OP Ramaswamy out of his semi-retirement to avert what would have led to the termination of two of our gardeners. Without Ramu, Jayanna, Seena and Soma, we wouldn't have been able to maintain the lake. Ramu has been with us since 2013!
Nupur put an end to our vacillation on whether to revamp our website or go with a new one. With tech help from her husband Pranshu and text assistance from Usha, she launched a colourful https://www.puttenahallilake.in/ rich in photos and comprehensive in contents in June 2023.
Our garden expert Sangita was luckier this year with the mealy bugs and borers and other pests lying low. The trees, shrubs and climbers are growing so lush and thick.
But for Divya's meticulous updating of our timeline, scrapbook of newspaper clippings, and quarterly reports, we would have forgotten half of what we had done in 2023! Time flies not only when one is having fun but also when crossing hurdles!
Our treasurer, Nandhini, is the one to thank for the receipts to your donations. Give her more work. Donations (and volunteer support) are how you can help our Puttenahalli Puttakere.
Our core volunteers deserve special mention - Vijayalakshmi Kutty, editor, Ripples and Sapana Rawat, events coordinator. They are irreplaceable. Jayashree Govind is a welcome addition to the editorial team!
Nurturing a public space like a lake is always going to be difficult. Our prayer for the new year is for less stress with old issues and more strength to tackle fresh ones. Together let's preserve and protect our little neighbourhood lake.
What’s planned:
The book is designed for readers aged 8–11 years, but works well as a read-aloud for younger children and a shared text for families. Everyone is welcome to join.
approx 2 hours (roughly 7 - 9 a.m.)
0.8 km (Traveling count)
37 species recorded
Indian Spot-billed Ducks & Coots (suggest healthy open water habitat)
Gray-headed Swamphens & Little Grebes 
Cormorants across three species (
Herons, Egrets & a Glossy Ibis (reflect shallow water zones and abundant aquatic life)
Three species of sunbirds (
