Pramesh S Jain
A team led by Lokayukta B.S.Patil and Upa Lokayuktas K. N.Phaneendra and B.Veerappa conducted inspections of several lakes and surrounding areas in Bengaluru on Monday and found multiple irregularities including encroachments,waste dumping and sewage inflow.
Justice B.S.Patil inspected Sompura Lake in Banashankari 6th Stage and also visited the Lingadheeranahalli solid waste processing unit nearby.
Officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) briefed the Lokayukta about the Interception and Diversion System (IPS) project aimed at preventing sewage from entering the lake.
Authorities said wastewater flowing into the lake would be diverted and pumped to a sewage treatment plant to keep the lake clean.
The Lokayukta directed officials to ensure that the IPS project is executed properly without lapses and to submit periodic progress reports.
Complaints were also raised by local residents seeking fencing of the inner lake boundary to prevent misuse of the lake area,following which officials were directed to take necessary action.
During the visit to the Lingadheeranahalli solid waste processing unit,residents complained about foul smell, flies and leachate issues.
The Lokayukta instructed BBMP officials to immediately address these problems and submit a compliance report within three days.
While returning from the inspection,Justice Patil also noticed garbage dumped along several roadsides and ordered civic officials present on the spot to clear the waste immediately and submit a report on the action taken.
Meanwhile,Upa Lokayukta Justice K.N.Phaneendra inspected Narasappanahalli Lake near Peenya and found debris and waste dumped around the lake for several days.
Encroachments in the lake buffer zone and permanent structures within the lake premises were also observed.
Sewage from nearby houses and industrial units was found flowing into the lake.Officials were instructed to immediately stop the inflow of polluted water and remove debris.
Several abandoned vehicles were also found parked within the lake premises,while garbage dumping was noticed at multiple locations along nearby roads.
Authorities were directed to clear the waste and prevent further violations.
Another inspection was conducted by Upa Lokayukta Justice B.Veerappa at Kaggadasapura Lake in C.V. Raman Nagar,where deficiencies related to lake maintenance and surrounding civic infrastructure were observed.Officials were directed to take corrective measures and submit detailed reports.
