Original documents of many natural tanks in Bengaluru city missing: HD Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: Former chief minister and a member of House Committee on lake encroachments, H.D. Kumaraswamy made a startling revelation that original revenue documents pertaining to the existence of many natural tanks in Bengaluru city were either missing or destroyed.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle on his experience of his visit to several tanks in the city, along with the panel chairman, K.B. Koliwad, and others, he said, “ Unfortunately, government documents to prove the existence of tanks have been destroyed by greedy officials, who have joined hands with realtors to develop sites or construct houses on lake area. Without these documents, it will be an uphill task for the committee.”

Help from honest babus

The former CM said he has been collecting old records from ‘honest’ officers in departments concerned about the total number of tanks that had existed and the original maps to establish the extent of encroachment.

“The Google images of tanks were available only from the year 2000 and not before that. Even the satellite images from the year 2000 to 2014 provides how land sharks have gobbled tanks. I am also collecting the survey done by the British rulers as it will throw light on tanks. Now, the officials are misguiding us by saying that they did have records of tanks. I will collect all original documents and place it before the public through an exhibition," he said.