Keep up the pressure to instil fear

Excerpts:

On lake development in the past

As of now, BDA must have spent more than Rs 140 crore on lake development. The Authority says it has restored 13 lakes. But BBMP disputes this, stating that only seven are developed and even these are not handed over to it because of want of maintenance grants. The Palike has already spent lots of funds on removal of encroachments of stormwater drains.

On reasons for widespread encroachment
The basic flaw has been that the layouts were approved on stormwater drains and lake beds. Officials (who gave the approvals) are directly responsible for this. So are elected representatives of City Municipal Councils, Town Municipal Councils and the panchayats. Encroachmens are not possible without connivance.

On lack of proper records on lakes
The government should have made a proper study of the available number of lakes and those that require rejuvenation. The number of functional and non-functional lakes should have been decided then. Proper records have not been maintained.

On the need to keep up pressure  
If the law is implemented in toto, there will be fear. But if the government stops the drive and regularises (illegal constructions), then it will have the reverse effect. Authorities should be held directly responsible for abetting fabrication of documents and bogus entries.