Bengaluru: In their relentless drive to salvage the city's water bodies, citizen group United Bengaluru has filed a complaint against the civic bodies - BDA, BBMP and BWSSB with the Karnataka Lokayukta for failing to protect the lakes.
The group, under the mentorship of well known freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy met Karnataka Loyakuta Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty on Thursday and highlighted the apathy of the public servants towards maintaining the city lakes.
The complaint was based on findings from United Bengaluru's 27 lake visits and highlighted the issues of rampant encroachments, dumping of construction debris and discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents, which has led to the gradual disappearance of lakes.
"I will look into the issues and assure my full support. The public must cooperate in protecting the lakes. There are many issues concerning the city and lakes is one of them," Shetty said.
Hopeful about Lokayukta action against erring authorities, Doreswamy added, "We will continue to mobilize the people and approaching Lokayukta is one of them. I am hopeful that something good will come out of our visit to Lokayukta."
Suresh N.R., convener, United Bengaluru, said, "It is high time the government and citizens understand the importance of reclaiming and protecting our lakes, else, as per the experts we may have to vacate the city due to water shortage."
Sriddhar Pabbisetty, CEO, Namma Bengaluru Foundation, said he was optimistic about the visit to Lokayukta, as Mr Shetty has assured action.
