From Sewage To Swanky: Koramangala In For A Facelift As Dirty Drain Could Soon Become Exemplary Urban Space

The recent Karnataka state budget 2021-22 had allotted the Koramangala Valley Rajakaluve Development and Maintenance (K-100) project Rs. 169 crore, to convert the natural storm water drain into an exemplary urban development project and a recreational facility for Bengaluru.

Koramanagala (K-100) Valley is one of the biggest natural valleys in Bengaluru. It originates in the KR market region and flows into Bellandur lake.

Recent water tests from the natural storm water drain show that untreated sewage and other effluents are directly discharged into the drain.

The new project aims to convert the polluted natural storm water drain into a recreational facility for Bengaluru, with a pedestrian pathway, several 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 31 December 2020, and a tender was invited with an initial estimated price of Rs. 147 crore. The lowest bidder, Star Infratech, a Bengaluru-based developer, was awarded the contract at Rs. 175 crore.

Necessary clearance from the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) was also issued.

The project, after getting financial clearance from the UDD (Urban Development Department), Karnataka, was allotted Rs. 169 crore in the recent Karnataka state budget, and the project is expected to be completed in two years.

The rejuvenation project is also a pet project of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who chaired the initial project proposal meetings with various stakeholders, and has shown keen interest in the project and follows it 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 conceptualised and designed by VA (Venkatramanan Associates), one of Bengaluru’s biggest architecture and urban design organisations.

VA has been previously involved in similar urban design projects such as Church Street redevelopment project among others.

BBMP has increasingly given more attention to de-silting drains and claims to have de-silted 90 per cent of the sewage entering Koramangala Valley.

The project will derive some of its ideas and inspiration from Cheonggyecheon river in Seoul, which runs through the city, but was once shut under an elevated expressway.

While funds are allocated, more details on design and DPR of the project are awaited.

The Karnataka state budget 2021-22 had laid increased emphasis on Bengaluru’s urban development to realise ‘Bengaluru Mission 2022-Bengalurige Navachaitanya’.