Bengaluru: The High Court on Friday asked BBMP and the State Government to explain the cause of the disappearance of 15 lakes in the city.
The court made this remark while hearing a petition seeking directions to the BBMP to ensure effective maintenance and monitoring of the stormwater drains.
The court also sought a statement on the appointment of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (as an expert committee) to conduct an audit/survey of the lakes in the city.
The Palike had submitted a memo stating that out of 168 lakes, 19 had to make way for a bus stand, stadium, Pollution Control Board office and other structures. The BBMP also said that out of the existing 168 lakes, 75 have been fully developed and maintained by the BBMP. It also added that in these 75 lakes the entry of sewage water has been prevented and only rain water enters these water bodies.
The memo further claimed that out of the 168 lakes, 58 were handed over by Bangalore Development Aut—hority to BBMP on September 14, 2016. “After taking over these 58 lakes, tenders were invited and finalised and they have been sent to the state government for approval," it said. The HC asked the state and BBMP about their plans to remove encroachments.
