Madiwala Lake's rejuvenation now focuses only on beautification. The South City Corporation is finishing walkways, bridges, a park, and gazebos. But experts say desilting is urgent. The lake faced a bund breach in 2016 causing floods nearby. A desilting proposal, estimated at ₹35 crore, was drafted last year but is still pending approval. The 276-acre lake connects over six lakes in Bangalore's south and southeast. It was handed over to BBMP in 2023 from the Forest Department and last desilted nearly 18 years ago. A senior officer confirmed no order to start desilting exists yet. V. Ramprasad from Friends of Lakes warned that focusing only on beautification could worsen floods and groundwater issues. He said, “Despite commercial fishing activities spoiling the lake’s health due to contractors’ greedy practices, they are allowed in many lakes. On the other hand, lakes have not been desilted for decades. This selective focus will only increase flooding and deteriorate groundwater levels.” Flood-prone areas like BTM Layout, Tavarekere, and Madiwala depend on the lake's water-holding capacity to prevent flooding. Rainwater from several lakes drains into Madiwala, linking it critically to city flood control. Last monsoon minor floods hit BTM Layout and Tavarekere, showing risks remain. An engineer from South City Corporation admitted desilting is needed, citing garbage and junk found during weed-removal efforts. "Last year, when we deployed a weed-removal machine, it excavated a refrigerator and other kinds of waste. This is a sign that we should desilt it soon," he said. The current beautification aims to finish by March-end. Meanwhile, new machines are clearing weed caused by untreated sewage. Without urgent desilting and drainage improvements, experts warn severe flooding could return.