Switzerland In A Drain: Bangalore's Stunning Transformation

Bangalore has finally received its much needed South Korean touch. The dirty, garbage-filled stormwater drain at Koramangala, Bangalore is now transformed into a beautiful garden with flowers, plants and a mini bridge for public walk and breathe fresh air.

(Photo Credit: Anantha Subramanyam K / Happiest Health) Koramangala Raj Canal, Bangalore

The Koramangala Raj Canal (K100), a stormwater drain extending to an overall capacious length of 12 km, is fully derived from the majestic Shantala Silks and ends at Bellandur Lake. The drain passes through Shanthingar, Koramangala, and KR Market before ending at the lake. Over several decades this drain was left unattended and polluted severely to cause havoc from sewage and garbage, making even common people distaste to go anywhere close to it. This new avatar has been bringing a lot of curious people for waiting the completion of the path for walking, cycling, and jogging.

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Rich New Green Parks Of Bangalore 

Transforming the drain into a bright emerald corridor featuring non-motorized transport pathways, recreational areas, verdant green patches was a dream which became a reality. The BBMP initiated the K100 project in 2021 after it drew inspiration from the example of the Cheonggyecheon Stream project in Seoul, whereby a river was rejuvenated and turned into a park for public use.

(Photo Credit: Anantha Subramanyam K / Happiest Health) Koramangala Raj Canal, Bangalore

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Dr. Satyanarayana Mysore, head of the department and consultant respiratory and sleep medicine, pulmonologist, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, says that the K100 project will have certain benefits and he explains them below:

1) Enhanced Air Quality: The conversion of polluted drains into green corridors having vegetation can actually benefit the healthy respiratory living state of nearby residents by reducing the levels of air pollution.

2) It can promote physical activity: Walking and cycling tracks can promote a sedentary lifestyle-reduction in risk from lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases through physical activity.

3) Promotes mental health: Access to well-maintained green spaces could lift stress, foster mental health, and lower the rates for depression and anxiety.

4) Reduce vector-borne diseases: Proper management of water bodies prevents stagnation and reduces mosquito breeding thus leading to lower incidences of diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Residents Want It To Be Pet-Friendly

People have already begun to use the space because the infrastructure is very appealing even though the park is not yet open to the public. According to Leo, 45, one of the owners of a hotel in Bangalore but lives closer to the K100 stormwater drain in Adugodi, he is glad to see the stormwater filled with beautiful plants rather than plastic bottles and garbage as before.

(Photo by Anantha Subramanyam K / Happiest Health) Koramangala Raj Canal, Bangalore

"I once used to walk a lot before the accident happened. But, after the accident, we couldn't go further since we lived close to the main road and the stormwater drain. Two weeks back, I noticed that the path next to the stormwater drain was finally completed and decided to walk it with my two-year-old dog, Simba. He seemed very happy about the new environment in our locality. I would walk here regularly, once it opens for the public," he says making an assumption that it is pet-friendly.

"I have been living here for the last 10 years; walking next to the drain was next to impossible on any day due to the horrible stench, and the summer would worsen it because we could smell it from our houses too," Shanthamma, 55, another resident, told Happiest Health. "But I think now the smell has reduced quite a lot, and who would imagine that this drain could be at some point looking as beautiful as it is now."

An officer from K100 project informed that the project is divided into three stretches. The first two are near completion, while the work for the third stretch is under process. "Water rejuvenation is nearly completed, and the sewage water does not leak into the Bangalore stormwater drain anymore. The smell too will reduce slowly. Once the entire work is completed, it will be opened to the public," he said.

Prospective Health Threats

Speaking of waterborne diseases, Dr. Mysore says, if the water flow is not appropriately controlled, it can make the water stagnant, thus causing pathogens to multiply and increasing the chances of diseases like cholera and typhoid. "He added, "Neglect in maintaining the rejuvenated drain could once again put pollution and health hazards with it into place."

(Photo by Anantha Subramanyam K / Happiest Health) The work is now under progress in the area around Adugodi where the drain runs through Ejipura towards Koramangala in the year 2014.

While the population rejoices over the presence of the new park in its locality, they are also worried that others will start throwing waste in it again. "This drain has been neglected for years, while people keep throwing their waste into it. If it's not monitored and maintained well, soon we would have to walk by the polluted water, and then it would start affecting our health, making all this effort futile," explained Lakshmi, 32, another resident.

Meantime, the green corridor is expected to be absolutely functional in another six months, at which time it will be opened up for the public.

Final Thoughts 

(Photo Credit: Anantha Subramanyam K / Happiest Health) Koramangala Raj Canal, Bangalore

My dear friends, after all that has happened, I can say that developing the Koramangala Raj Canal into a mini Switzerland with a green corridor is really a revolution for Bangalore! What once used to be dirty and stinky is now a pretty space full of flowers, plants, and walking paths where you can jog early in the morning, or just walk during the evenings, or sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature. Such an incredible project not only improves air quality but also makes the people physically active and mentally fit. So already, citizens of Bangalore are loving the change, and who would not love this change? No more plastic bottles or garbage, just fresh air and greenery! Though there are still a few worries regarding keeping it clean, the future seems bright. Within the next few months, this green haven will become open to be enjoyed by all.