Lokayukta inspects three city lakes; pulls up BBMP, BDA

Lokayukta officials on Friday visited three lakes in the city and instructed officers of the BBMP and BDA to start restoration works.

The officials visited the Subramanyapura, Sarakki and Talaghattapura Lakes.

While inspecting the Subramanyapura Lake, the officials found that the buffer zone has been encroached upon by slum dwellers.

They were asked to relocate as flats are being constructed for them by the Slum Development Board. The flats are expected to be ready in six weeks.

The officials have also instructed the tahsildar to conduct a survey of the Subramanyapura Lake and submit a report to the Lokayukta.

According to members of NGO United Bengaluru, the Lokayukta has ordered BDA officials to speed up the restoration work in Sarakki Lake, for which Rs 3 crore has been allotted. While the BBMP officials claimed that the work had already begun, the local residents said otherwise.

Sridhar Pabbisetty, chief executive officer, Namma Bengaluru Foundation, which is a part of United Bengaluru said: "We hope that the officials will abide by the directions given by the Lokayukta in a time-bound manner and ensure that the issues of encroachment on the lakebed are addressed immediately."