Bengaluru, 11 December 2025 – Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru and the Vagata Gram Panchayat, today formally inaugurated the restored Kanekkallu Lake in the Vagata Gram Panchayat, Hoskote Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District.
This extensive environmental initiative is a core part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to sustainable water resource management and community development, implemented under United Way Bengaluru’s renowned “Wake the Lake” program.
Key Impact and Restoration Highlights
The 21.33-acre Kanekkallu Lake underwent comprehensive restoration to significantly enhance its ecological and agricultural value:
- Capacity Increase: The lake’s water-holding capacity was boosted by 28 million litres, rising from 64 million litres to 92 million litres.
- Groundwater & Irrigation: This increase will critically improve groundwater recharge, soil moisture, and long-term irrigation access for 16 surrounding villages.
- Infrastructure: Extensive work included large-scale desilting, along with strengthening the main bund (535m) and the peripheral bund (1,310m).
- Agricultural Support: Approximately 180 cubic metres of nutrient-rich silt were carefully removed and redistributed to local farmers for soil enrichment and improved agricultural productivity.
- Biodiversity: The project included the planting of 2,000 saplings over the past year to establish green cover and support carbon sequestration. On the inauguration day, 20,000 fish were released to restore aquatic biodiversity.
The inauguration was attended by notable figures including Mr. Samit Ghosh, Founder, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank; Ms. Sudha Suresh, Director; Ms. Carol Furtado, Executive Director; and Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru, alongside local Panchayat and community members.
Mr. Martin PS, Chief Operating Officer, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, stated: “At Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, we believe that true progress happens when communities and ecosystems thrive together. The rejuvenation of Kanekkallu Lake is a testament to our commitment to creating sustainable, long-term impact beyond financial inclusion. By restoring this vital water resource, we are supporting agriculture, improving groundwater levels, and enabling healthier, more resilient communities. We are grateful to United Way Bengaluru, the Vagata Gram Panchayat, and the local residents for partnering with us in this meaningful initiative.”
This initiative is projected to strengthen livelihoods and ecological resilience for farmers, youth, and residents across the entire region.
