The BWSSB's mega 'Cauvery Aarti' is planned at Sankey Tank.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: A group of activists, including H M Venkatesh and B S Lokesh, wrote to the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), urging them to drop the 'Cauvery Aarti' event scheduled to be held at Sankey Tank on Friday.
They argued that the religious event, which includes music and lighting, violates various court orders.
In their letter, the activists referred to a Karnataka High Court order dated March 2023, which states that authorities must ensure that there is no temporary or permanent construction, commercial, recreational, or industrial activity in or around the tank.
"There shall not be any pollution or conduct of any act which is detrimental, directly or indirectly, to the tank or tank-bed area. Authorities also shall not permit any individual, group, or political party to use the tank area for recreation or celebration, and must ensure the protection of the tank."
The letter also cites Section 12, Clause 3 of the KTCDA, which bars any event that is detrimental to the lake.
However, BWSSB officials insisted that the religious ceremony, including the puja, will be held at the Shri Gangamma Jala Thayi temple as per tradition. They stated that the programme is intended to raise awareness about water conservation and express gratitude to the Cauvery River, which is Bengaluru’s lifeline.
Meanwhile, Advocate GR Mohan has petitioned the Karnataka High Court to stop the event, arguing that it is being held within the buffer zone of Sankey Lake. "The activity would cause immense disturbance to the birds housed in the waterbody," the petition states.
Awareness on lake conservation
The BWSSB aims to promote the conservation of lakes and waterbodies through the 'Cauvery Aarti', said Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Manohar noted that since Bengaluru faces water shortage every summer, the aarti is organised to educate people about groundwater usage, the misuse of clean water, and the importance of preserving water bodies, including lakes.
"In 1876, Bengaluru suffered from severe famine and water scarcity. To address the crisis, Colonel Richard Hiram Sankey built Sankey Lake in 1882. He believed that the city's water shortage could be mitigated through rainwater harvesting. Colonel Sankey’s birthday falls on March 22, which coincides with World Water Day. The importance of rainwater harvesting and water conservation will be highlighted through several innovative programmes," the BWSSB said in a press release.