Whitefield residents form human chain to protect Pattandur Agrahara Lake

Bengaluru: Hundreds of people, including schoolchildren, formed a kilometre-long human chain on ECC Road to save Pattandur Agrahara Lake in Whitefield on Saturday.

The protest was against dumping of construction debris and illegal encroachment of the lake by private builders. Officials from the BDA, BBMP and Tehsildar's office too were present.

“Thirty truckloads of debris were dumped overnight near the lake which triggered this protest. Tomorrow, they just might fill the entire lake,” said Manoj (55), a resident of the area.

Though the city has received record rains this year, Pattandur Agrahara Lake still has no water, the protesters pointed out.

Sandeep, one of the protest organisers, said, “The lake has been encroached upon over the last 20 years. Though it is in BDA’s name, portions of it are being claimed by private parties.”

The residents have been requesting BDA and BBMP officials to rejuvenate the lake, but they have washed their hands of. The lake also faces the threat of a highway that is being planned here, he said.

Local corporator Muniswamy said, “There are some revenue officers and a minister in the government, who own more than 27 acres of land here. They are trying to usurp this property.”

Suresh Heblikar, an environmentalist and filmmaker, said, “The government is not taking proper care of lakes. The demand for water will grow multi-fold in the coming years. It is easy to generate energy, but not water.”

The protesters said that the officials had promised them that action will be taken to fence the land as per survey documents. Dredging and removal of debris will begin within 10 days. The corporator said he has already earmarked funds for developing a park and recreation space around the lake.