A five-stage framework for rejuvenating urban lakes was launched on Sunday to ensure efforts are both technically sound and community driven.
The Framework for Lake Rejuvenation outlines stages including diagnosis and visioning, design, implementation, operation and maintenance, and monitoring and evaluation. It targets urban and peri-urban tropical shallow lakes in peninsular India, focusing on nutrient and organic matter management while excluding those with industrial pollution.
Prepared by WELL Labs with Friends of Lakes and other stakeholders, the framework was developed to address gaps in consensus, standards, and planning. At the launch, V. Ramprasad of Friends of Lakes noted that visioning must secure stakeholder buy-in and that impact reporting should consider hydrological, water quality, and ecological factors together.
Sujata C. Hingorani of OASIS Design International stressed the need for a systemic view, as interventions can affect areas downstream or elsewhere. The document highlights that each step integrates scientific assessment with community aspirations.