Electronic City’s lakes are not isolated water bodies. They form a connected network in which water moves from one lake to another, carrying the ecological health, and the pollution burden of one neighbourhood into the next. The cascade begins at Shikaripalya Lake, considered the upstream starting point of the Electronic City stream. From there, the water flows through Maragondanahalli, Tirupalya, Hebbagodi, Kammasandra, Bommasandra and Heelalige, before reaching Chandapura and continuing towards Muthanallur and Bidaraguppe, ultimately connecting with the Dakshina Pinakini/Pennai river system. There is also a parallel Jigani-side chain Kallubalu, Vaderamanchanahalli, Konasandra, Dyavasandra, Hennagara and Kachanayakanahalli which joins the downstream network around Chandapura.

For Electronic City, this connectivity has major implications. A sewage discharge, industrial effluent, garbage dumping or blocked storm-water channel at an upstream location can potentially affect downstream lakes and communities. Conversely, protecting an upstream lake can benefit a much larger catchment. The network also makes lake rejuvenation more than a beautification exercise. Desilting, sewage diversion, protection of lake buffers, restoration of feeder channels and prevention of encroachment need to be planned across the entire cascade. As Electronic City continues to expand, its lakes are becoming increasingly important for flood management, groundwater recharge and ecological balance.

The message is simple: protect one lake, but think about the entire chain. Electronic City’s water future depends on keeping this lifeline connected, clean and flowing.