State to launch drive to clear encroachment of lakes

The State government will soon launch a drive to clear encroachment from lakes, including those in Bengaluru, Minor Irrigation Minister C S Puttaraju said Monday.

“Protection and conservation of lakes is now the responsibility of the Minor Irrigation department since all the 36,000 lakes in the state have been handed over to us. We have prepared a comprehensive action plan, which includes clearing encroachment,” Puttaraju told reporters here. Of the 36,000 lakes, the minister said, about 6,000 lakes were dead.

The government is also working on an ambitious project to establish connectivity among lakes. “My department along with the Major Irrigation department is working on a project for lake-to-lake connectivity. In Mandya district, a master plan has been prepared for Rs 200 crore,” he said.

Yash joins effort

Sandalwood actor Yash’s nonprofit YashoMarga Foundation and the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project have joined hands with the state government for the Kere Sanjeevini project to desilt 100 lakes. \

“The project, for which we have earmarked Rs 100 crore, will be launched soon. The government will provide the necessary machinery to desilt lakes. The silt will be given to farmers,” the minister said.

DH News Service