Be proactive, rid Bengaluru lakes of encroachment, garbage: HS Doreswamy

Bengaluru: Under the mentorship of senior freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, members of the United Bengaluru inspected Kacharakanahalli and Banaswadi lakes falling under the Yellamallappa Chetty lake series.

Kacharakanahalli Lake covers an area of 57 acres and 26 guntas, of which 33 acres and 18 guntas have been encroached by places of worship, school and commercial establishments. Despite coming under the BDA, the lake has been turned into a dumping ground. The residents alleged that slum dwellers have destroyed the lakebed by constructing houses.

Area corporator P. Anand said that the slum dwellers have been asked to vacate the land, but they have sought more time. Mr Doreswamy said, “Citizens should take the initiative and set up meetings with the local corporator and MLA to discuss issues plaguing our lakes. There is a desperate need for a collaborative effort to reclaim and protect our lakes.”

He said, “It has been observed that lake areas are turning into a hub of illegal activities, making nearby residential areas unsafe. The police should inspect these volatile areas and put an end to such unlawful activities to ensure that residents live in safe neighbourhoods.”

At Banaswadi Lake, the residents interacting with the United Bengaluru team alleged that the BDA has given the lakebed for various developmental projects. The constant dumping of debris and garbage has also encouraged those with influence to encroach the lakebed, they complained.

The Department of Survey Settlement and Land Record reportedly identified 230 BDA allotted sites, including the fire station, and 55 private properties as encroachments.

Mr D.S. Rajasekhar, president, Citizen Action Forum, said, “The local corporator/ MLA/ Minister needs to be more proactive to see that encroachment, dumping of garbage, the flow of untreated sewage and illegal activities are stopped.”