Lake encroached right under BBMP's nose

Bengaluru: New evidence points to encroachment of Yelachenahalli Lake right under the nose of civic agencies, which turned a blind eye to the brazen violation. 

Buildings have not only been built in the buffer zone of the lake, but also on the road. 

The construction of one such building in the buffer zone began in 2015 and was completed in 2018. President (Bengaluru Urban) of the Lancha Muktha Karnataka Nirmana, Mr V.R. Marathe, said that BBMP officials did not do anything to stop the construction for the three years.

"The five-storey building was issued a demolition order in 2015 by the High Court and the matter was pursued by the BBMP. But later, the builders got a stay and the building which was 30 percent complete in 2015 was allowed to be fully built, and the BBMP did not do anything," he said. 

If the court orders demolition of the building as the construction is in violation of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, the buyers will suffer as some of the flats have already been sold. 

The BBMP, which is maintaining the lake, took up its rejuvenation a year ago. The water body was with the forest department till two years ago and it was handed over to the BBMP in 2016. Mr Marathe said that rejuvenation is still in progress, but the BBMP is executing shoddy works. 

"The total water storage capacity of the lake may not be more than five feet. More than 50 per cent of the existing lake has been used for construction. The proper depth has not been maintained for storage of water," he said. Stones placed on the embankments have slid into the lake, while allegations are surfacing that powerful builders in connivance with local politicians are encroaching the lake.  Mr Aleem, a resident, said sewage water from storm water drains is being let into the lake without being treated. "This is shoddy work. The sewage directly enters the lake and the water body is surrounded by construction debris," he said.