CAG points out large-scale encroachments on 10 lakes in City

An audit check of 10 lakes in Bengaluru has revealed large-scale encroachment, dumping of debris, release of untreated sewage, delay in restoration work and other lapses.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India’s report for 2015 on “Conservation and ecological restoration of lakes under the jurisdiction of lake development authority and urban local bodies”, tabled in the legislature, also revealed restoration works were carried out without arresting sewage flow.

As per the report, a joint physical verification (JPV) carried out showed that restoration works were undertaken without removing encroachments.

The report states that Rs 3.31 crore was spent on partially fencing Bellanduru lake in Koramangala- Challaghatta valley without removing encroachments. On the Kempapura village side, the stormwater drain alignment had been diverted by private parties resulting in encroachment and reduction in lake area.

At Horamavu-Agara lake in East Bengaluru, JPV revealed that a residential apartment was pumping untreated sewage directly into the lake. It was observed that the lake area was filled with construction debris and fencing was damaged. At Chikka Bellanduru lake maintained by the BDA in Bengaluru (East) taluk, JPV revealed that the lake area was encroached upon by slum dwellers.  The village map and other records revealed that the adjoining survey No 63 of Mallur village, which was part of the lake, was shown as private land.

At Vengaiahanakere lake, a BWSSB underground drainage line inside the lakebed was seen overflowing into the lake area. Untreated sewage was entering the lake. At Allalasandra lake, in the custody of BBMP, the audit found that the residential quarters for the staff of the forest department was provided inside the lake area and a vast area of lake was occupied by slum dwellers. At Rachenahalli lake, it was found that lake rejuvenation works were carried out for Rs 14 crore and the lake was not maintained thereafter.

The BDA had formed a residential layout in the lake area. It also irregularily diverted 11 acres of lake for formation of a park in violation of rules. Fencing was breached and left open  to provide access roads to nearby residential areas.

At Nagavara lake, developed by the LDA there was no demarcation of lake and a portion had been diverted for providing connectivity to the upcoming S EZ. LDA, in its reply,  stated that letters were addressed to BBMP and BDA to stop road formation in lake areas.

It stated that a police complaint had been lodged as the BBMP was in the process of laying sewage pipes and connecting it to the stormwater drain of the lake.