Survey revives hope for public access to Bengaluru's Ambalipura Lake

Bengaluru: A new joint survey of the Ambalipura Lake catchment has revealed how a few small but strategic encroachments — including apartment structures and concrete slabs built over stormwater drains — have cut off the waterbody from the public. 

The findings suggest that reclaiming these portions could reopen a direct access route from Sarjapur Road to lower Ambalipura Lake, which has long been treated as a private backyard by nearby gated communities. 

The survey was conducted in August this year, about a month after DH reported how five gated complexes had encircled the lake, blocking public view. 

Following the joint inspection with officials from the now-dissolved Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Assistant Director of Land Records (ADLR) found that four survey numbers, where apartment complexes are located, had encroached upon the stormwater drain by building concrete slabs. 

While the total encroached area measures barely 1.2 metres in width along the drain's length, its location is crucial as the stormwater drain meets Sarjapur Road, the downstream of lower Ambalipura Lake. Clearing this chokepoint, local residents insisted, could help restore the natural flow and also create a direct public entry to the lake. 

Encroachments at the downstream stretch, especially between lower Ambalipura and Iblur lakes, had also led to flooding of Sarjapur road about three years ago. 

"The overflow had even flooded one of the apartments," said a resident, urging authorities to reopen the blocked drain and restore connection between lakes. 

The survey also found encroachments on the upstream side of lower Ambalipura Lake, which connects to the upper Ambalipura Lake. Among these were two villas, a public road and an apartment building that had encroached upon the drain or buffer area. 

A lake behind closed gates

Ambalipura Lake, off Sarjapur Road, has remained inaccessible to the public despite being maintained by the BBMP’s Lake Division — now merged into the Bengaluru South City Corporation after the BBMP's dissolution. Apartment complexes surrounding the lake have fenced it off, using it as an extension of their landscaped gardens and a "private water body". 

For DH story by Naveen

Lake volunteers have welcomed the latest survey findings, insisting the authorities clear encroachments and provide public access to the waterbody. They also point to clear disregard to buffer zone norms around the storm water drain and the lake. 

For DH story by Naveen

KN Ramesh, Commissioner of the Bengaluru South City Corporation, said the survey report would soon be reviewed. "It may have been submitted to the erstwhile BBMP, and has not yet been handed over to us during the transition period," he said. "I will review the encroachment findings."