Reviving Bommanahalli

Every lake tells a story that extends beyond its water. Across the 2 km catchment of Gubbalala Lake, the first layer traces the connections between water flows, cultural landmarks, green spaces and ecological networks. It reveals how drains, lake outlets, forest edges and open spaces shape the landscape, where these connections are breaking down, and where they can be restored. This spatial narrative sets the stage for the SWOT analysis, uncovering the challenges and opportunities that will shape the proposed blue-green framework.

The constraints and opportunities converge into three linked visions for Bommanahalli: BLUE, GREEN AND VIBRANT. Each answers a different layer of the site, covering water, ecology and people. Together they form one framework for restoring the catchment and for guiding the interventions that follow.

Blue-Green Bommanahalli follows the 5R framework: Recharge, Restore, Reconnect, Regreen and Recenter. It builds water resilience, revives ecology, connects green and blue spaces with mobility, cools the neighbourhood and puts people first. Each project is scored against the 5 R's, then refined by stakeholder complexity and funding potential to set its priority. This phases delivery across Gubbalala Lake revival, greening, kunte revival, Pipeline Road and the road network. Stakeholder consultations were conducted with residents around Gubbala Lake and the surrounding network to understand local issues, community concerns, and priorities for improvement.Inputs from apartment welfare associations helped identify key concerns across the catchment. These issues were mapped spatially to highlight problem areas, community priorities and opportunities for targeted blue-green interventions.

Beneath Pipeline Road’s 30-metre right-of-way lie six major water supply pipelines that carry potable water to South Bengaluru. The need to protect and maintain this critical infrastructure limits permanent road construction, leaving the surface uneven and the surrounding buffers underutilised. This constraint presents an opportunity to reimagine the corridor not as leftover space, but as a connected ecological spine for the city. The proposal transforms Pipeline Road into a climate-resilient, people-first landscape through four distinct zones: Neighbourhood Commons, Typical Urban Streetscape, Green Commons and High Activity Zones. With bioswales, rain gardens, shaded permeable paths and green corridors, the intervention aims to improve stormwater management, support groundwater recharge, mitigate urban heat and create accessible public spaces while keeping the underground water infrastructure safe and maintainable.

A scalable landscape toolkit has been developed to enable adaptable, site-responsive interventions along Pipeline Road while protecting the underground water infrastructure. The green buffer is organised into nine planting zones, from the Pollinator Promenade and Wild Savanna to the Wellness Green, Tree Park and Meandering Bioswale. Each zone features native, climate-suited plants selected to attract pollinators, birds and butterflies, restore soil health and safeguard the pipelines. Together, these zones create a continuous ecological link between Kanakapura Junction and Pipeline Road, integrating shaded seating, play spaces and herbal gardens to support both biodiversity and community life.