Daimler Truck Restore 25-Acre Kithaganur Lake, Benefiting 24,000+ Resident

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), has supported the rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake, a 25-acre water body in East Bengaluru, under UWBe's flagship Wake the Lake campaign. The rejuvenated lake was formally handed over to the gram panchayat on June 5, World Environment Day, reinforcing the shared vision of restoring Bengaluru's vital water ecosystems.

The intervention has resulted in a 22% increase in the lake's water-holding capacity, benefiting over 24,000 residents in the surrounding communities. The rejuvenated lake now supports approximately 65 species of flora and fauna and is expected to contribute nearly 9 tonnes of carbon sequestration annually.

Over the years, Kithaganur Lake has suffered from silt accumulation, sewage inflow, encroachments, and blocked feeder channels, reducing its water-holding capacity and affecting the surrounding ecosystem. The rejuvenation has involved scientific de-silting, fencing, clearing water channels, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement to ensure long-term conservation.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Smt. Manjula Arvind Limbavali, MLA, Mahadevpura Constituency, appreciated the collaborative efforts that brought Kithaganur Lake back to life and emphasized that lake rejuvenation is only the first step in a longer journey of environmental stewardship. She noted that the Solid Waste Management team must now play an active role in supporting the next phase of the lake's development. She further urged the community, local authorities, and all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for protecting the lake, ensuring that it does not fall back into previous state. "A rejuvenated lake can remain healthy only when every citizen becomes its guardian. It is our shared responsibility to preserve this asset for future generations," she said.

"The rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake is a powerful example of how collaborative action can drive meaningful impact. Through our partnership with United Way Bengaluru, and a close collaboration with Shishu Mandir, Panchayath, we are proud to contribute to sustainable urban development and help create lasting benefits for both communities and the environment”, said, Mr. Radhakrishna Kodakkal – Managing Director and CEO, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India

"Lakes are among Bengaluru's most valuable natural assets. Through the ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign, we are not only rejuvenating water bodies but also fostering community ownership and creating sustainable environmental impact. By bringing together committed partners such as Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, local communities, and government stakeholders, we are creating healthier ecosystems and a more water-secure Bengaluru, said Sriram Ananthanarayan, Director, United Way Bengaluru.

With the restoration of Kithaganuru Lake, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India strengthens its commitment to environmental conservation – Prakruthi Mitra, sustainable urban development, and creating lasting positive impact for communities through ecological restoration.

About Daimler Truck Innovation Center India

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI), headquartered in Bengaluru, came into existence on December 01, 2021. DTICI is an innovation hub of Daimler Truck AG focused on Product Engineering and IT. DTICI, is one of the largest development centers of Daimler Truck AG outside Germany housing a workforce of skilled engineers. DTICI focuses on holistic commercial vehicle innovation from vehicle engineering, powertrain engineering, software development for electronic control units, computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided design (CAD), IT programming using complex engineering tools and methods.

About United Way Bengaluru (UWBe)

Since 2008, UWBe has been working in underserved locations and marginalized communities. Over 18 years, the organization has expanded to seventeen states, with a special focus on remote areas and aspirational districts. United Way Bengaluru works in five key areas of Climate Action, Education for All, Integrated Rural Development, DEI and Volunteering. Aligned with its mission, the organization brings together unified efforts from CSR partners, civic bodies, and local communities to work collaboratively towards solutions. The organization carries a global image with a local heart; committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. To know more, visit https://www.uwbengaluru.org/