The 21.33-acre Kanekallu Lake at Vagata Gramme Panchayat has now returned to its previous splendour following substantial restoration treatments.

The water-holding capacity has increased from 62 million litres to 92 million litres as a result of the project, which was undertaken by Ujjivan Small Finance Bank as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru. 16 nearby settlements will now profit from the overflowing lake.

According to the announcement, the water body was extensively desilted, its 1,310-meter periphery bund and 535-meter main bund were strengthened, and its waterflow channels were restored. In order to improve soil enrichment and agricultural productivity, some 180 cubic metres of nutrient-rich silt were dispersed to farmers in the area.

For the nearby villages, the restored lake will enhance long-term irrigation access, soil moisture retention, and groundwater recharge. To promote aquatic biodiversity, 20,000 fish were released into the lake, and up to 2,000 saplings were planted around it over the course of a year.

According to the statement, the programme is anticipated to strengthen livelihoods and increase ecological resilience for farmers, youth, and residents in 16 villages.