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.

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