Forests by Heartfulness, with support from PayPal India, undertook the restoration of Chikka Thimmasandra Lake in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Serving the villages of Chikka Thimmasandra and B. Hosahalli, the project was designed to restore the lake ecosystem, improve water security, enhance biodiversity, and create a shared community space.

The Story

For years, Chikka Thimmasandra Lake had been losing its ecological vitality. Shallow sections, reduced water storage, and declining ecosystem health limited its ability to support the surrounding communities. Recognizing the importance of the lake for both people and nature, Forests by Heartfulness launched a comprehensive restoration effort.

The project focused on deepening the lake, strengthening bunds, conducting soil and water assessments, and securing the necessary approvals from the Irrigation Department. Through these interventions, the lake area was expanded from 6 acres to 12 acres, effectively doubling its water-holding capacity and significantly improving its ability to recharge local aquifers. Shallow portions of the lake were reshaped to create a more uniform depth and a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

A key principle of the project was to work with nature rather than against it. Not a single mature tree was removed during the restoration process. Instead, small islands were created to protect existing trees, preserving biodiversity while improving the lake's functionality. A walking trail was also developed around the waterbody, creating a recreational space that is now regularly used by local residents.

The success of the restoration generated strong community interest. The lake was inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Saalumarada Thimmakka, and more than 100 PayPal employees participated in tree plantation activities to stabilize the lake bund and enhance the green cover. Inspired by the transformation, neighboring villages began expressing interest in undertaking similar restoration efforts for their own lakes.

Project Highlights

• Location: Chikka Thimmasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Villages Benefitted: Chikka Thimmasandra and B. Hosahalli
• Total Area Restored: 12 Acres
• Lake Area Expansion: 6 Acres to 12 Acres
• Water Holding Capacity: Doubled through lake deepening and bund strengthening
• Ecological Measures: Soil and water testing, lake deepening, bund formation
• Biodiversity Conservation: No mature trees removed; protective islands created
• Community Engagement: 100+ PayPal employee volunteers participated in plantation activities

Impact

The restoration of Chikka Thimmasandra Lake has improved water availability, strengthened groundwater recharge, enhanced biodiversity, and created a vibrant community space. The project demonstrates how thoughtful ecological restoration can transform a degraded waterbody into a valuable environmental and social asset, inspiring similar conservation efforts across the region.