Koramangala valley project gets government nod

The Karnataka Government has given administrative approval to the Rs 169-crore Koramangala valley development and rejuvenation project (from KR Market to Bellandur Lake) under the Citizens Water Way Project. Koramangala valley is one of the three major valleys that form the city’s natural system for draining runoff rainwater. However, the valleys are now carrying sewage and effluents.The government approval came on December 31. The ambitious project, which is expected to bring about a change in the state of the valley by creating European-style pathway (Church Street model) along the channel, will have pedestrian trails and cycling tracks. The project involves construction of a sewage treatment plant.BBMP commissioner Manjunatha Prasad said the chief minister has shown keen interest in the project and is closely monitoring it. The tender for it will be floated shortly, he added.Meanwhile, Rs 4.2 crore has been sanctioned for BWSSB towards maintenance of sewage treatment plants (STP).According to BBMP officers, one of the most historically significant raja kaluves of the city, the Kormangala stormwater valley, originates at the erstwhile Dharmambudi Lake (now Majestic bus stand) and leads to Bellandur Lake. The primary drain is 11.4km long, while the total network of drains is 28km, including secondary drains.The project will focus on restoring the waterway for the city and encourage the public to use the space for recreation and relaxation.