Officials make attempt to save Kaggadasapura Lake

Kaggadasapura Lake, which is on the verge of death due to widespread encroachment, sewage flow and dumping of waste, may soon get a makeover, thanks to the Lokayukta and NGOs.

Officials from the department of land revenue, BWSSB and KSPCB visited the lake to begin a survey of the waterbody on Wednesday. Officials took stock of the situation by comparing the spread of the lake with the revenue map of the area. As per the Koliwad Committee Report, 3.24 acres of the 47-acre lake have been encroached upon.

The survey will conclude by the end of the week. Officials will submit a detailed report to the Lokayukta before a hearing set to be held on May 28.

Members of NGO 'United Bengaluru' also accompanied the officials. Suresh N R, convener, United Bengaluru, said the NGO will work to ensure that all encroachments are removed and the lake boundary is fenced. He said the BDA has already spent around Rs 8 crore to beautify the lake area but the waterbody has dried up. All the money has been spent to build 60 feet bunds, play area and seating area, but nothing has been done to rejuvenate the lake itself.

This is not the first time that efforts have been made to clear encroachments. In September 2013, the Bangalore district administration had recovered 3.2 acres of encroached land on Kaggadasapura Lake and demolished several buildings, including a property belonging to Bagmane Tech Park. That the situation has returned to square one stresses the need for regular monitoring of the lake.