Mosquitoes make life miserable for Kengeri residents

Hosakere, a lake spread over 10 acres and which was once the lifeline of Kengeri Satellite Town is now filled with garbage and covered by hyacinth. As a result, the water body has turned out to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Worse, none of the agencies concerned like BBMP, BDA or the Forest Department have taken interest in the development of the lake. Moreover, residents’ appeal to develop the lake seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

“The mosquito menace has become unbearable in the area. Life has become miserable for us  because the authorities concerned have failed to clean the lake,” said 15-year-old Munraju, who lives on the lake’s bank.

“Politicians come here only when they want our votes. They are not in the least bothered about how we survive for the rest of their term in office,” protested Kanthamma.
Locals say that Yeshwantpur MLA Shobha Karandlaje had promised about spending money on rejuvenating and cleaning the lake but till date no action has been taken.
No action initiated

“I still remember when Shobha Karandlaje had last visited here she had said that of Rs 150 crore being sanctioned by the government for rejuvenation of lakes, a portion of it would be used for Hosakere too. It has been 18 months since this government has come to power, but no action has been initiated with regard to the development of the lake,” said Soma Nagaraju, a local leader.

Residents claimed that Hosakeres in its heyday would have Ganesha idol immersions taking place late into the night, with nearly 60 idols being immersed everyday.

“But today there is no water to be seen and the lake is full of mosquitoes have replaced the visitors instead,” said Shivakumar, a resident.

Soma Nagaraju stated that the development of the nearby Kengeri lake has served no purpose, as residents of the Satellite town have to journey nearly three kilometers in order to use the joggers track around the lake bund. By the time people reach the Kengeri lake they are tired.

Thus, they should develop this lake and contain the menace of mosquitoes, he added.
Residents of Satellite town are now contemplating on holding an agitation against the neglect of the lake by the authorities concerned.