It was a Sunday well spent at Allalasandra

Allala­s­a­ndra lake at Yelahanka New Town buzzed with various activities all through the day on Sunday. People from all walks of life took part in the first edition of the “Kere Habba.”

Organised by the Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA) along with Namma Bengaluru Foundation and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Habba continued till the night. The YUVA members said that the objective behind holding the “Kere Habba” was to promote cycling and create an awareness about lake preservation, power conservation, rainwater harvesting and other eco-friendly techniques.

To give the public an idea about lake conservation techniques and ground water recharge, there was an expert talk by Aiyappa Masagi, founder of Water Literacy Foundation and Rainwater Concepts. There was also a talk on ‘History of lakes and the Allalasandra lake’ by Sangamesh Bagewadi. Plants were distributed to people by the Forest department free of cost. As a part of the Habba, an array of programmes were held that ranged from cycle jatha, yoga sessions, kite flying to magic show among other activities.

Food stalls serving lip-smacking delicacies from North Karnataka were a huge hit with the masses as they lined up to grab a bite. Children who turned out in large numbers enjoyed traditional games like kunte bille, chowka bara, lagori, marbles, snakes and ladders, and tonga (horse cart) rides.

 Mallikarjunaiah, a resident of Yelahanka New Town said that he enjoyed the Habba thoroughly, specially the early-morning yoga session and the cultural programmes.   
                                                                        
 “The lake rejuvenation was taken up in December 2012 and we are happy with the restoration of this water source. I took part in the singing competition and have been witnessing the activities since 7 am. It was refreshing to take part in the Habba and I am already looking forward to the second edition,” said Vivekananda G, a participant.

Upalokayukta Justice S B Majage, Yelahanka MLA S R Vishwanath, officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and BBMP were present during the inauguration of the Habba. An open air gym in the lake area was also inaugurated by Justice S B Majage.