Abstract

Lakes and ponds sustain a rich diversity of large flora and fauna. A reason for biodiversity depletion is destruction of these natural habitats due to urbanization and pollution. Study of biodiversity facilitates in understanding the current scenario and accordingly take action plans to prevent and preserve further environment depletion. The present investigation aimed to study the floral diversity of three lakes of Bangalore - Agara, Madiwala and Kaikondrahalli. Some aquatic plants are sensitive to pollution and used as bioindicator. All the three lakes had abundant growth of Eichhorina carassipes, Ricinus communis and Cynodon dactylon. Excessive growth of E. carassipes and C. dactylon indicated metal pollution and salinity of water, respectively. The leaf colour of R. communis in Madiwala lake was observed to be pale yellow indicating the pollution of the area more compared to Agara region. The establishment of lake restoration projects have restored habitats and biodiversity to some extent. However, a joint effort by ecologists, hydrologists, policy makers, and local residents is required to minimize negative human impacts, maximize the effectiveness of nature reserves and lake restoration.