Koramangala Valley Re-Development Project: From Sewage Polluted Drain To An Exemplary Urban Space
In the recent Karnataka state budget 2021-22, Koramangala Valley Rajakaluve Development and Maintenance (K-100) was allotted Rs 169 crore to convert the natural stormwater drain into an exemplary urban development project and a recreational facility for Bengaluru.
Koramangala (K-100) valley is one of the biggest natural valleys in Bengaluru. The valley originates in the KR market region and flows into Bellandur lake, which is 11 km in length and 28 Km including its subsidiary drains.
Recent water tests from the natural stormwater drain show that untreated sewage and other effluents are discharged directly into the drain.
The new project aims to convert the polluted natural stormwater drain into a recreational facility for Bengaluru, with a pedestrian pathway, multiple bridges and crossovers across the canal surrounded by greenery, and a treatment plant with 5 MLD (Million Litres per Day) capacity.
The project got the BBMP’s go-ahead on 31st December 2020, and tenders were invited with an initial estimated price of Rs. 147 crores. The lowest bidder - Star Infratech, a Bengaluru-based developer, was awarded the contract at Rs 175 crores.
Necessary clearances from Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) were also issued.
The project after getting financial clearance from UDD (Urban Development Department) Karnataka was allotted Rs 169 crores in the recent Karnataka state budget 2021-22, and the project is expected to be completed in the next two years.
The rejuvenation project is also a pet project of Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa, who has chaired the initial project proposal meetings with various stakeholders and has shown keen interest in the project and follows closely.
Apart from project costs, BBMP will also bear another Rs 4.5 crore for maintenance of the project for the next five years.
The project will be conceptualized and designed by VA (Venkatramanan Associates), one of Bengaluru’s biggest architecture & urban design organizations. VA has been previously involved in similar urban design projects such as Church Street redevelopment project and others.
BBMP has increasingly given more attention to de-silting drains recently, with the urban body claiming to have de-silted 90 per cent of sewage entering Koramangala valley.
The project will derive some of its ideas and inspiration from the Cheonggyecheon river in Seoul, a river running through the city. It was once shut under an elevated expressway and now has been rejuvenated into an open urban public space.
While funds are allocated, more details on the design and DPR of the project are still awaited.
The Karnataka state budget 2021-22, has laid an increased emphasis on Bengaluru’s urban development to realise ‘Bengaluru Mission 2022-Bengalurige Navachaitanya’