Dumping debris in Bellandur lake: Penalty up to Rs 5 lakh

Dumping debris in Bellandur lake: Penalty up to Rs 5 lakh

Precursor to house panel report: A 2016 January statement

As early as January 2016, the Chairman of the House Committee on Tank Encroachment and Rejuvenation, K B Koliwad had stated this in a press conference: Various government agencies have encroached 3,287 acres of lake area. Private builders and slum dwellers have taken over 7,185 acres. The encroached lake land value was estimated at over Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

Grim reminders from the house committee's final report

l About 25% of the lakes have been encroached upon.

l Varthur lake water is polluted beyond permissible limits of chemicals and the vegetables being grown using this water around the lake could be harmful.

l Agara lake has been polluted due to the inflow of water from storm water drain from Koramangala, Madiwala and HSR Layout.

l Flooding in low lying areas such as Koramangala, Madiwala and Wilson Garden can be prevented if lakes in the city are restored.

l Although the report clearly states that the encroachments affect the ecology, the panel gives relief to the residential encroachments near the lakes. However, criminal action is recommended against commercial encroachments 'if' there is a chance of rejuvenation of the lake.