JOIN US Tahsildar of Bengaluru East taluk N Tejas Kumar said survey and demarcation of the boundaries of Varthur and Bellandur lakes has begun. He claimed 16 acres of land around Bellandur lake has been encroached upon. However, sources in the government claim the extent of encroachment is much higher.
They say at least 36 acres of Bellandur lake land has been encroached upon. This is apart from the encroachment of wetland between Bellandur and Varthur lakes.
A top official in the government requesting anonymity said, “The district revenue officials have not surveyed Bellandur lake properly. They have protected some powerful builders who have built apartments. The target are only the slum dwellers and some vacant land. I am fully aware that at least 36 acres of lake land has been encroached upon.”
The officer said satellite images should be used to survey the area since the survey sketch prepared by the revenue officials is full of flaws. He suggested employing an independent agency to survey the lake.
However, tahsildar Kumar insists that only 16 acres have been encroached upon. “Two slums with 240 shanties have come up at Belur and Ambedkar Nagar. With the help of the Slum Board, we are rehabilitating them,” said Kumar.
Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO of Namma Bengaluru Foundation, said, “The delay in surveying Bellandur lake raises many eyebrows. This gives rise to the popular claim in Bellandur area that at least 150 to 200 acres of lake land has been encroached upon.”