Anti-corruption watchdog Lokayukta has taken up a suo motu complaint on a DH report that revealed how untreated sewage is polluting
Chikkabanavara and Chokkasandra lakes in northern Bengaluru.
The report entitled ‘Two more lakes on city outskirts going the Bellandur way’ appeared on August 25, 2018.
Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty has directed the authorities to submit comments after examining the issues raised by the report and take immediate remedial measures to protect the life and liberty of local residents. He wants the report by October 4.
The report stated how the discharge of polluted and toxic substances into Chokkasandra Lake from the Peenya Industrial Estate has dangerously polluted the water, resulting in serious health hazards for local people.
“I am of the view that the news item published can be treated as source material for me to initiate suo motu proceedings to direct the authorities concerned to take remedial measures
for the protection of the lakes.
The news item cannot be ignored at this stage, as it concerns public health and safety and any inaction or failure to take immediate remedial measures may seriously have an adverse effect on the life and liberty of the people and animal population of the area,” Justice Shetty stated in the order. Inaction by the authorities will be a violation of fundamental rights, he
added.
This is not the first time the Lokayukta opened suo motu complaints on pollution of lakes in the city.
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