Bangalore, Nov 8, 2013, DHNS: As many as 13 major lakes in the City under the Minor Irrigation Department have been encroached upon by major builders and private persons, according to Minor Irrigation Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi.
Speaking to the media here on Friday, the minister said the largest extent of encroachment has been identified along Bellandur and Horamavu lakes. He said the department had handed over 24 lakes to various civic agencies in City for maintenance in the last few years.
These include three lakes to Lake Development Authority, three to Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike and 18 to Bangalore Development Authority. However, of these, 13 major lakes were found to be encroached upon in the past few years.
Anti-encroachment drive
The minister said the department will take up anti-encroachment drive on a large-scale in the next few months.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued clear instructions not to spare any one while clearing encroachments. We will ensure that the lakes are cleared of encroachment in the next six to eight months. The lakes will be fenced later,” he said.
The minister said the department will assist civic agencies in desilting all these lakes. Two companies from Mumbai and Tamil Nadu had made a presentation on removing five to six tonne of weed in 20 minutes. As a pilot project, the department is likely to recommend the cleaning of Bellandur and Varthur lakes.
