Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation with their Lake Improvement Works Project, as revealed in India Cares Foundation’s latest report. The initiative, launched under RCB’s ESG commitment in October 2023, focuses on restoring and enhancing the ecological integrity of two major lakes in Bengaluru – Ittgalpura Lake and Sadenahalli Lake.
Additionally, efforts have been directed towards improving community ownership and biodiversity at Kannur Lake. The selected lakes, located in highly water-stressed areas, were identified for restoration due to their critical role in groundwater recharge and supporting local livelihoods. Recognizing the pressing need for action, RCB initiated comprehensive desilting and development work, which has resulted in the removal of over 1.20 lakh tons of silt and sand from Ittgalpura and Sadenahalli Lakes.
This material has been repurposed to create bunds, pathways, stabilisation ponds, and wetlands, effectively recovering nine acres of lake land and increasing water holding capacity by up to 17 acres. The restoration efforts extend beyond ecological rehabilitation to include the creation of civic amenities and educational hubs at the lakes.
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Ethno-Medicinal Plants Parks, Bamboo Parks, and Butterfly Parks are being established to promote biodiversity conservation and provide recreational spaces for local communities. These initiatives underscore RCB’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, aligning with their broader mission to inspire positive change through cricket.
Kohli, Faf and DK in RCB green jersey. pic.twitter.com/54n2n7drY7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 15, 2024
Rajesh Menon, VP and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru emphasized the importance of community involvement and fan support in driving their green initiatives. He highlighted the role of RCB fans in raising awareness and mobilizing action towards environmental sustainability, positioning the franchise as a leader in carbon-neutral cricket teams globally.
The success of RCB’s lake restoration project serves as a testament to the efficacy of collaborative efforts between stakeholders, including local authorities, communities, and environmental organizations like Friends of Lakes. By adhering to established engineering and environmental standards, RCB has demonstrated a scalable approach to lake rejuvenation that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.
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As Bengaluru grapples with escalating groundwater depletion, initiatives like RCB’s Lake Improvement Works Project offer a ray of hope for sustainable water management and environmental conservation. Through their Green Game initiatives, RCB continues to set new benchmarks in sports sustainability, inspiring a movement towards a greener, more resilient future.
