Royal Challengers Bengaluru restores 3 lakes in water-stressed city
New Delhi, April 19: Professional franchise cricket team Royal Challengers Bengaluru has restored three lakes in Bengaluru, a city grappling with a severe water crisis.
RCB launched the Lake Improvement Works Project in October 2023 as part of the "RCB Go Green Initiative". The project focused on desilting and developing the Ittgalpura and Sadenahalli lakes, located in highly water-stressed areas.
These areas lack access to Kaveri River water and rely entirely on groundwater and surface water with borewell depths ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet.
According to a statement, more than 1,20,000 tons of silt and sand have been removed from the two lakes and nine acres of lake land have been recovered, leading to the creation of stabilisation ponds and wetlands that benefit the local bird and animal populations.
The water holding capacity of the lakes has also increased to cover up to 17 acres, it said, adding that the lakes will not only facilitate groundwater recharge but also support agricultural activities in the surrounding areas.
They will provide additional livelihood opportunities for the fishermen and farmers of the two lakes, who can now harvest up to three times more than before, it said.
Meanwhile, at Kannur Lake, the objective has been to improve community ownership through the creation of civic amenities as lake assets.
Ethno-medicinal plant parks, bamboo parks, and butterfly parks are also being created at all three lakes as part of the initiative to improve and sustain biodiversity.
"These lakes not only serve as critical groundwater sources for neighbouring villages but also form the backbone of local livelihoods," said Rajesh Menon, VP and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Experts say Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, and its infrastructure for fresh water supply is struggling to keep up with the growing population.
Over a third of the city's 13 million residents rely on groundwater, which is rapidly depleting.
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Odisha: Three arrested for allegedly assaulting tribal women over conversion suspicion
Bhubaneshwar: A day after Christmas, on December 26, two tribal women were allegedly tied to a tree and beaten by a mob in the Remuna area of Odisha's Balasore district. The women, accused of attempting to convert a Hindu man to Christianity, were subjected to humiliation and violence, as captured in a viral video that brought the incident to light, reported The Wire.
The victims, identified as Subhasini Singh and Sukanti Singh, were reportedly targeted after visiting Chhankhanpur hamlet in Mukhura village. Subhasini, a Christian from Makhpada village in Nilgiri, allegedly came to meet Gobind Singh, a Hindu tribal man, with the intention of persuading him to convert to Christianity. Sukanti, a local resident and Hindu, was accused of facilitating the visit.
In the video, the women are seen tied to a tree, surrounded by a hostile crowd. One man's remarks accusing them of "destroying Hindu religion and culture" and chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Jai Shri Ram" underscore the mob's fury. Subhasini's face was smeared with a cake, which locals claimed had been brought to celebrate a religious conversion.
Subas Mallick, Inspector-in-Charge of Remuna police station, confirmed the incident and said the mob had also humiliated Gobind Singh for his alleged intent to convert. Four individuals, Bapin Nayak, Pitambar Biswal, Prashant Nayak, and Badal Panda—were detained in connection with the assault. Cases have been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) addressing assault and prevention of atrocities against scheduled tribes, as well as under the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, which prohibits forced or induced religious conversions.
However, police later released the detainees after they reportedly expressed regret and reached an "understanding" with the victims. Gobind Singh also allegedly apologized for his intent to change his faith. Despite this, two separate cases remain under investigation.
Reactions to the incident have highlighted concerns about rising vigilantism and threats to vulnerable communities. Odisha Congress spokesperson Amiya Pandab condemned the attack as a shameful reflection of the state’s law and order situation, particularly against tribal women. Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Latika Pradhan criticized what she called "vigilante justice," emphasizing that any alleged illegal conversions should be dealt with by law rather than mob action.
The incident has also reignited discussions about communal tensions in Odisha. Balasore, represented in the Lok Sabha by former Union Minister Pratap Sarangi, borders Mayurbhanj, the home district of President Draupadi Murmu, and Keonjhar, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s constituency. Both leaders are from tribal communities, underscoring the gravity of such incidents targeting vulnerable groups.
This case comes against the backdrop of Odisha’s history of communal violence, including the 2008 Kandhamal riots, which led to over 30 deaths and widespread displacement of Christians. Then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, now leader of the opposition, severed ties with the BJP in 2009, citing concerns over communal discord.
As authorities probe the latest incident, it raises critical questions about the balance between protecting religious freedom and preventing vigilantism.
