Residents demanded that encroachments on Kacharakanahalli and Banaswadi lakes be cleared and dumping of garbage in the water bodies be stopped.
United Bengaluru Foundation, led by freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, inspected the lake falling under the Yellamallappa Chetty Lake Series on Saturday.
A group consisting of lake and urban experts, members of lake groups, elected representatives and government officials inspected these lakes and interacted with residents.
Madhu Varadarajan, a local resident said, “BBMP trucks are dumping garbage near the lake and slums have occupied the land near the lake.” Another resident V Kamala said, “The ground water level has fallen due to the encroachment of the lake. With lack of smooth flow, rainwater is gushing into houses.”
Doreswamy said, “There is a desperate need for a collaborative effort to reclaim and protect our lakes. Houses and temples have been built years ago in the lake area.’’
“There is a plan to build a park, a swimming pool and a hospital on the land near the lake,” said Padmanabha Reddy, corporator, Kacharakanahalli ward.