Lakes and tanks are our lifeline. However, today in rural areas and in cities, the lakes and tank areas are being encroached up. And nobody is coming forward to stop this, is highly regrettable.
Also in cities and town the area around the lakes is being turned into garbage dumps and as a  result the lakes are losing their existence. Especially affected by this trend are Kodikannuru lake, Ammani lake, Ammarehalli lake where the garbage is being dumped. The silt is also accumulating as a result of this and is is also causing environmental pollution.
The lakes come under minor irrigation department. But nobody knows what steps the department is taking or it is also not known whether it has completely neglected the whole issue. In the rural areas such lakes and tanks are useful to the farmers. The cattle, animals and birds have a place to drink water and it also helps in agricultural activities. It also helps in increasing the groundwater table .
But in towns and cities the lakes play a role of fulfiling the drinking water needs of the people. However, these days there has been a relentless encroachment of the lakes in the cities. Moreover, nobody is bothered about the upkeep of these lakes. The condition of one of the biggest lakes in Kolar, Ammani kere (Kolaramma kere) is no different. One side of the lake is adjoining the city and the encroachment is going on here. But those responsible for this are keeping their eyes closed.
This lake is famous for its drinking water and fishing. Several tube wells have been dug and the drinking water needs of the city are being met. Also nearly 4 to 5 tons of fish is available daily here. A particular community is dependent totally on this fishing activity.
The encroachment here is happening from opposite the ETCM hospital side, from the Kurubarapet side. But there is nobody to stop the encroachment. Also as the sewage water is also being led into the lake the water is getting contaminated. 
The government had taken a tough stand regarding the lake encroachment and it has also brought in an Act. But no one has enforced this Act for this lake.
From the Kurubarapet side already encroachment is happening and a few have already build houses. A few more are slowly filling the place with mud and scheming to convert the land into sites. After some time they will put a fence and make it their own. This is happening in nearly 3 acres of land and nobody is bothered about this illegal activity. When this issue was brought to the notice of the former local legislator K Srinavasa Gowda, he casually remarked that he was not aware of this. He said that he would first visit the place and then take action.
Meanwhile, a proposal has been by the former legislator to the Lake Authority of India. An action plan of Rs 15 crore has been draw for the purpose. If this plan falls into place then the encroachment can be removed and the whole place cleaned and handed over to the tourism department. Then the lake would look beautiful. Also the encroachment can be controlled. Even the fishing activity can go on.  The people’s representatives and the intellegentia should start thinking along these lines.  Even in Kodikannuru lake also garbage is being dumped by the CMC and the public. Especially as chicken waste is being dumped into the lake the water is getting polluted.
The public are wondering whether the minor irrigation department and the CMC is going to come forward to protect the lakes.