If preserved prudently, Kundalahalli Lake can help nourish the groundwater table in and around Kundalahalli, mitigating water woes in the area to some extent.
If preserved prudently, Kundalahalli Lake can help nourish the groundwater table in and around Kundalahalli, mitigating water woes in the area to some extent. The lake with sufficient space for a pathway can also be a favourite destination for health-conscious people, especially senior citizens, who want to walk or jog for a while in mornings and evenings, provided the authorities concerned pull up their socks.
Surrounded by multi-storied buildings, the lake seems abandoned amid a concrete jungle. Builders started constructing buildings near the lake bund, violating Supreme Court’s directions according to which no construction work should be taken up within 30 metres from the lake bund.
However, many buildings are constructed within five to 10 metres from the lake bund. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) authorities have also put up concrete poles for a transformer to supply power to newly constructed apartments nearby. “One builder has constructed a building on the lake bund itself. No officials have visited the area and done something to prevent encroachment,’’ said a resident on the condition of anonymity.
The forest department, which was the lake’s custodian more than a decade ago, had put up fence around the lake. Now, most of the fence is missing. “Some people stole parts of the fence. Till now, the police have not arrested anyone for stealing the fence,’’ said another resident.
Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar, executive engineer, Lakes Division, BBMP, said he is not aware of the construction activities around the lake.
“The lake is under Lake Development Authority (LDA). I have nothing to do with the missing fence or construction of buildings on the lake bund,’’ Chandrasekhar said.
According to S Shivaprakash, chief executive officer, LDA, the BBMP has not come forward to take up the maintenance of the lake though the state government had issued an order in April 2010.
“It is disappointing that BBMP has not taken up maintenance of the lake even two years after the government directed it to do so. We have been reminding the civic body about maintenance of the lake but in vain,’’ Shivaprakash said.
BD Ramesh, deputy range forest officer, LDA, said: “It seems builders have not followed norms. One building is constructed within 10 metres from the lake bed. I will visit the spot tomorrow.’’
NR Sridhar Reddy, corporator, Doddanekkundi Ward, said: “I will ask BBMP engineers to visit the spot to find out whether builders have violated the norms.’’
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