'Remove encroachment near lakes'

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.