Drive to clear lake encroachments in January

Minister for Minor Irrigation Shivaraj Tangadagi has said that a drive to clear encroached water tanks coming under minor irrigation department will be taken up in January.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, he said that a Lake Development Authority will be constituted. The Legislative Council and the Governor have already given nod for the Authority.

After the session, a meeting will be convened with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to chalk out a plan for the eviction drive.

There are 26,853 lakes in the State, of which 3,579 come under the minor irrigation department. In the southern division of the department, there are 1,973 lakes and 68 have been encroached, the minister said.