Varthur Lake History

Varthur Lake is one of Bangalore’s most famous lakes. Spread over 445 acres, it is the second-largest man-made lake in the city. Built more than 1,000 years ago, it once supported farming and local communities. Today, it is known both for its historic legacy and for the severe pollution challenges it faces. In 2025, Varthur Lake is still in the process of recovery, but there is fresh hope thanks to restoration projects and rare wildlife sightings.

Varthur Lake – Dimensions

Area: 180.4 hectares (445.8 acres)
Catchment Area: 148–279 km²
Average Depth: 1.05 m (3.4 ft)
Maximum Depth: 2.0–2.55 m
Length: 1,810 m (1.12 miles)
Width: 1,040 m (0.65 miles)
Surrounding Land: 10 acres
Location: East Bengaluru, downstream of Bellandur Lake

Timeline of Varthur Lake

9th–10th Century CE (Ganga Dynasty): Built as a man-made tank to store rainwater; supported irrigation, cattle, and household needs.
16th Century (Vijayanagara Period): Continued as a lifeline for farmers; maintained by local rulers as a vital irrigation source.
19th Century (British Period): Appeared in colonial records as a key tank in the Whitefield–Varthur region; helped regulate water flow and supported Whitefield villages.
1990s – Urban Boom: Whitefield and East Bangalore saw rapid growth; sewage from new residential and commercial areas entered the lake; no sewage treatment plants existed.
2000s – Pollution Crisis: Lake water turned toxic with sewage from Bellandur Lake; fish species dropped sharply; foam and froth became common during rains.
2016 – NGT Intervention: National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered rejuvenation of Bellandur and Varthur Lakes; Committee under Justice N. Santosh Hegde was formed; plans for STPs and desilting were made, but progress was slow.
2021 – Work Slows Down: NGT committee dissolved; funding and coordination issues delayed work.
2023 – Major Progress: About 95% of toxic silt removed from Varthur Lake’s bed; wetlands and sapling plantations started; plans announced for a biodiversity park.
2025 – Present Day Update: Sewage inflow remains the biggest challenge, especially during rains; wetland development is ongoing but slow; tree plantation has started, though execution is debated by locals; authorities are acting against some illegal constructions around the lake; community groups are active in awareness campaigns and cleanup drives.

Pollution and Present Challenges

Varthur Lake is eutrophic, with high levels of organic waste and phosphorus.
Untreated sewage still enters the lake in 2025.
Encroachments and construction pressures threaten the lake’s buffer zone.

Latest News – Flamingo Sighting in 2025

In August 2025, a Greater Flamingo was spotted in Varthur Lake. This rare event has brought excitement to bird watchers and locals. For many, it is a symbol that biodiversity can return if the lake is restored properly. The sighting has also attracted more visitors to the lake area.

Why Varthur Lake Matters

Largest heritage lake system: Part of Bengaluru’s ancient tank network.
Water security: Recharges groundwater and prevents floods.
Biodiversity: Supports migratory birds and aquatic life.
Community health: A clean lake means safer water and better living conditions.

Current Status of Varthur Lake in 2025

Silt Removal: Nearly complete, improving capacity.
Wetlands: Under construction, designed to filter sewage naturally.
Biodiversity Park: Plantation in progress, target 10,000+ trees.
Sewage Treatment: Still inadequate; untreated inflow continues.
Illegal Construction: Ongoing, though some projects were stopped.
Community Role: Strong participation in awareness, cleanup drives, and pressure on authorities.

FAQs – Varthur Lake

Yes. It remains polluted with untreated sewage. Water is unsafe for direct use.

It was built during the Western Ganga dynasty, over 1,000 years ago.

Maximum depth is about 2.5 meters; average depth is 1 meter.

By 2023, 95% of the silt was removed, giving the lake better capacity.

The flamingo sighting has renewed focus on biodiversity. Wetland work and plantation drives are ongoing.

For a clean and calm visit – Ulsoor (Halasuru) Lake is recommended, with walking tracks and boating.

Varthur Lake has seen more than a thousand years of history—from being a lifeline for farmers to becoming one of Bengaluru’s most polluted lakes. In 2025, it shows both progress and problems. Desilting is complete, wetlands are being created, and birds like flamingos are returning. Yet untreated sewage, encroachments, and execution gaps remain.

The future of Varthur Lake depends on strict government action, strong sewage management, and continued community involvement. With consistent efforts, this lake can once again be a healthy and vibrant part of Bengaluru

Prestige Evergreen, also known as Prestige Raintree Park Phase 2, is a 21-acre township on Varthur Road, Whitefield. With 2000 luxury 1–4 BHK apartments (650–2500 sq.ft.), 10 towers overlooking Varthur Lake, and world-class amenities, prices start at ₹1 Cr.