Bengaluru Lakes Encroached: BBMP Reveals Extent

06 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) informed the Karnataka High Court that 235 acres across 183 active lakes in Bengaluru have been encroached upon by private parties and government agencies. Legal measures are being taken to reclaim these lands.

A joint survey by BBMP and the Revenue Department uncovered the scale of encroachments, disclosed in an affidavit filed during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing by Citizen Action Group. This is the first time BBMP has revealed comprehensive lake encroachment details.

Of the 183 lakes, 120 are partially encroached by private entities, while 131 are occupied by government agencies for infrastructure projects. Despite this, BBMP has reclaimed only seven acres from 13 lakes.

Over the past three years, BBMP allocated ?52.55 crore for lake conservation, installing 38,321 meters of fencing, with 12,575 meters still underway. Following court directives, BBMP published lake encroachment details on its website.

During a recent hearing, the court demanded precise data on encroachment extent, reclaimed areas, and pending actions. Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty presented details, but petitioners argued the lack of specifics hindered eviction efforts. The court directed BBMP to submit detailed reports, postponing the hearing.

Encroachments by private entities include structures on 88 lakes, religious buildings on 42, and slums on 9. Government projects, including roads, cemeteries, temples, and bus stands, affect 131 lakes. BBMP faces a formidable challenge in reclaiming and conserving Bengaluru’s water bodies.

Real Estate

02 Apr 2026

Bent Collective Unveils Sculptural Papillon Sofa

Bent Collective has introduced the Papillon Sofa, a sculptural seating piece that combines artistic design with everyday comfort. Defined by a fluid silhouette, the sofa features a gently curved backrest, asymmetrical form, rounded seating, a single rolled arm and sleek legs, creating a soft yet expressive presence for contemporary interiors. Upholstered in a soothing blue tone, the Papillon Sofa is designed to bring a sense of calm, movement and visual lightness to living spaces. Its organic form moves away from rigid lines, reflecting the brand’s focus on furniture that is both i..

MHIEC Completes Relay Centre Project In Nagasaki

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC) has completed construction of the Nanbu Relay Center in Minamishimabara City for the Ken’ou-Kennan Clean Authority in Nagasaki Prefecture. The project includes the development of the new facility and the operation of three relay centres, including the existing Tobu and Seibu sites, under a contract awarded in 2024. The initiative is aimed at enabling the efficient transfer of combustible waste from multiple municipalities to the Ken’ou-Kennan Clean Center in Isahaya City, which is scheduled to co..

Kala Ghoda Boutique Redefines Compact Retail Design

Located in Kala Ghoda, Noir Éclat, an 80 sq ft jewellery boutique by Mint Leaf Design, showcases how compact retail spaces can deliver a high-impact experience. Designed as a ‘jewel box’, the boutique blends Parisian-inspired aesthetics with a monochrome palette of black and white, highlighted by fuchsia accents that add a distinctive visual identity. The design leverages vertical space to overcome size constraints, featuring sculptural wall-mounted busts arranged in grids that transform product displays into artistic installations. Carefully planned lighting enhances depth and creates a..