Cops joined history-sheeters, locals to clean up Jigani lake

On World Environment Day, 150 policemen from the Anekal sub-division joined hands with 90 history-sheeters and local residents to clean up and rejuvenate the Harapanahalli Lake in Jigani near Bannerghatta.

The cleaning drive was held from dawn to dusk on Tuesday.

Despite being closer to the main road, the lake is deserted due to extreme pollution. The thick weeds covering its surface cuts off oxygen to its marine life. The cleaning effort aimed at weeding out the lake completely, while also removing plastic and other pollutants.

'Police Lake'

"The waterbody had disappeared under the thick cover of weed that had grown three to five feet, both over and around its surface," said S P Umesh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anekal division, who personally took part in the cleaning drive.

"We've done 80% of the cleaning work and removed 350 truckloads of weed as of now. We will complete the work soon," he added. To ensure the lake remains clean, it would be rechristened 'Police Lake'.

Around 90 history-sheeters from nearby localities were made to take part in the cleaning initiative to encourage community service and ensure their contribution to a social cause. Around 10 JCBs, several trucks and boats were engaged to assist in the cleaning drive.