United Bengaluru files complaint over threat to kalyani, three lakes

Members of United Bengaluru on Saturday filed a complaint at the Subramanyapura police station against the defacing of Vasanthapura Kalyani, a historical water body, and against the dumping of sewage and garbage in three lakes — Subramanyapura lake and Janardhanakere lake in Vasanthpura and Gowdanapalya lake — in Bengaluru south.

The members complained that attempts were being made to reduce the size of Vasanthapura Kalyani to lay a road leading to a property on the southern side of the tank. In Subramanyapura lake, miscreants had damaged its waste weir and sewage and garbage dumping is rampant, the complainants stated.

Before lodging complaints, United Bengaluru members, led by freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, visited Subramanyapura lake where a large number of people assembled to greet him.

Holding placards, people from all sections of society formed a human chain and urged the members to save the lake. Corporator Hanumanthaiah told the crowd that he is committed to developing the lake and added that the BBMP has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the purpose. He said sewage from nearby apartments was polluting the lake and added that the BWSSB has not completed the task of diverting sewage.

Speaking on the occasion, Doreswamy said lakes must be protected in Bengaluru’s interests as the ground water was depleting rapidly. He urged people to prevent encroachments of these water bodies for the future of the city.

Vasanthapura Kalyani
The team later headed to Vasanthapura, where the government is reducing the size of a 350-year-old Kalyani. Earlier, there were attempts to facilitate a road benefiting a realtor. Doreswamy said such attempts must be foiled at any cost and the kalyani must be retained in its original form.

The team members visited Janardhanakere lake, which has almost disappeared due to rampant encroachment, while Gowdanapalya lake is dying due to encroachment and dumping of sewage.
DH News Service