Ravindra Bhan
une’s Model Colony lake, also Dr. Meera Bondre of Botany Depart-
known as Lakaki lake, is a six acre
abandoned quarry site nearly a
century old. Besides accumulation of
annual rain water, the depression has
natural fresh water springs. Residents
recall that the stones from this quarry
were used to build the Fergusson Col-
lege situated in the same area.
The lake derives its name from the resi-
dence of famous industrialist Kirloskars
in the vicinity named “Lakaki”. For years
the lake has been a tranquil retreat of
migratory birds, buffalos, fishermen and
nature lovers.
In 1985, Pune Municipal Committee pro-
posed to convert the lake into an educa-
tion complex after filling the area. This
enraged the local residents so much that
they waged a systematic battle against
the move and demanded that the lake
should not be altered in any manner.
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64 no.19 | spring 2008
impressed to see a great numbers of birds
ment of Poona University, under the guid-
ance of Prof. S. B. David, had under-
taken detailed study of the lake ecosys-
tem. Based on the scientific observations
and field tests, they had come to the con-
clusion that the lake supports a very well
balanced eco-system and abounds in di-
verse life forms which co-exist there and
make life support systems of the lake
sustainable. The lake supports the fish
(Garubusia Affinis) which is known as a
mosquito larvae eater. Therefore, the
lake area is free of mosquitoes and the
water does not smell. It has withstood
the pollution so far and has helped to
keep the atmosphere clean.
Based on the scientific observations they
came to conclusion that the lake has
immense potential of being converted
into a Natural Science Garden for the
future and should be left undisturbed.
World renowned ornithologist Late Dr.
Salim Ali had visited this lake and was
frequenting this lake which is in the midst
of a residential colony. The residents
under the dynamic leadership of Dr.
Zainah Poonawala of Model Colony
Parisar Sudhar Samiti (MCPSS) and
many likeminded individuals and vari-
ous organizations including WWF -
World Wildlife Fund and Prof. Narendra
Dengle of INTACH - Indian National In-
stitute for Arts and Cultural Heritage, lo-
cal publications put up a fierce battle to
save this important and unique lake from
extinction. Pleading the cause of eco-
logical balance and right to live in a
healthy environment, the MCPSS filed a
suite in the court against the Pune Mu-
nicipal Committee.
The long drawn legal battle took years to
settle. The development work on the lake
was started in the year 1993, but was
later stopped due to legal reasons for
number of years. Finally the project work
was completed in the year 2001.
landscape
no.19 | spring 2008 65
 landscape
66 no.19 | spring 2008
Interventions

Minimum development strategy was the The lake bottom was cleaned by intro- FACING PAGE [TOP TO BOTTOM]
essence of the project which was totally duction of specific fish species and wa- Sectional Elevation through the middle of the lake.

based on ecological considerations.
There was already enough data avail-
able to plan the various development in-
terventions without altering the very com-
plex and highly sustainable eco-system
which nature had developed over a long
period of time. Help from local bird
watchers like Prakash Gole and Ramesh
ter plants. Any manual intervention
would have drastically altered the deli-
cate balance of the lake eco-system.
As the lake was surrounded by high
structures, a narrow peripheral walkway
was introduced around the lake for
watching the birds from the distance
Sectional Elevation of the lake facing the entrance.
Section near the entrance level.
THIS PAGE [ABOVE]
The sloping edge of the pathway carries a built-in
concrete trough for planting water plants and tall
reed grass to screen the people from birds in the
lake area.

Badwe and others helped in finalizing
the appropriate list of plant species for
the project.
It was observed that about fifty two bird
species visit the lake throughout the year
and some of them stay in the lake area.
without disturbing the existing vegeta- BELOW
tion and large trees on the site. A Barbet-Coppersmith or Katphora.
To support the walkway, the lake periph-
ery was filled gradually with boulders.
Once the boulders were set, the top was
covered with concrete to form the walk-
Original image source: http://www.dkimages.com

Knowing the bird species it was easy
from existing literature to find out the
habitat, nesting habit and food prefer-
ences of the birds.
The lake had a high level of eutrophica-
tion because of accumulation of domes-
tic wastes that was diverted in the lake.
way. The sloping edge of the pathway
carries a built-in concrete trough for
planting water plants and tall reed grass
to screen the people from birds in the
lake area. There are no artificial lights
on the walkway so that the birds are not
distracted. Visiting hours are regulated
and the lake area is only open during
morning and evening hours.

landscape
no.19 | spring 2008 67
Birds frequenting Model Colony Lake, Pune
June 1999

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68 no.19 | spring 2008
Project Landscape Architect: Ravindra Bhan & Associates Landscape architect Ravindra Bhan
Photo credits: Prof. Narendra Dengle can be contacted on
ravindrabhan@gmail.com
Drawings courtesy Ravindra Bhan

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no.19 | spring 2008 69