Puttenahalli Lake, Protected lake in Yelahanka, India
Puttenahalli Lake is a protected lake near Yelahanka in Bangalore, India, surrounded by natural wetlands and designated zones for the conservation of local wildlife. The site sits within a flat, open area where open water, reed beds, and patches of grass meet the edges of nearby residential neighborhoods.
In 2007, eight local residents founded the Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird Conservation Trust to stop the lake from deteriorating further. Their effort turned a neglected water body back into a functioning habitat, setting a model for community-led conservation in the city.
The name Puttakere comes from Kannada and refers to a small pond, reflecting how local communities have long depended on such water bodies for daily life. Today, visitors can watch birds from open grassy banks and see how residents of nearby neighborhoods walk along the paths in the early morning.
The lake has simple paths along its banks that make walking around it easy for most visitors. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot birds, as activity along the water is highest during those hours.
Scientists have recorded nearly 50 breeding bird species at the lake, including darters, painted storks, and spot-billed pelicans, which is a remarkable count for a water body sitting inside a city. Part of what keeps the lake stable through dry seasons is treated wastewater from a nearby apartment complex, which supplements the natural rainfall.
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