Sankey expansion to keep encroachers at bay

Sankey expansion to keep encroachers at bay
Deccan Herald

Sources say that if tank bed was left vacant, the land grabbers would try to encroach upon it and by increasing the tank bed this could be checked.

Barely a year after restoring the picturesque Sankey tank spending several lakhs, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) is now up to undo it all. Reason: To keep land grabbers at bay by increasing the water storage capacity at the tank.

For this, BMP has taken up remodelling of landscape around the lake at over Rs 35 lakh and has already dismantled all beautification works done as part of rejuvenation project last year. BMP is implementing this work on its own (as departmental work).

BMP Assistant Executive Engineer (West) Ravi Prasad told Deccan Herald that the capacity of the tank will be increased from the present 0.4 million cubic meters to 0.6 million cubic meters by increasing the height of the tank bed by one metre. Besides, the total area of the actual water body will be further extended, he added.

As a result, lawns, walking track, ornamental plants, ornamental grills, seating arrangements, metal fencing and many facilities provided during the previous rejuvenation project, have now been dismantled. BMP had spent over Rs 30 lakhs for beautification work alone at the tank, Mr Prasad said.

Of the total 50 acres of tank, 40 acres are covered by water body and 10 areas is tank bed, covered by garden. Of these 10 acres, two acres belong to Forest department, while the ownership of remaining eight acres is yet to be determined. “By increasing the tank’s capacity, any attempt to encroach upon the catchment area can be checked. If tank bed is left vacant, the land grabbers will try encroach upon it,” sources said.

In fact, a leading city-based land developer has claimed nearly eight acres of tank bed and the case is unresolved.

The developer had even issued a public notification that a residential flats will be constructed.

Lokayukta’s interest

According to sources, BMP has undertaken the remodelling work on the directions issued by Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Venkatachala, who has taken personal interest in protecting the tank from any encroachments. Justice Venkatachala has been inspecting the work personally, and he visits the tank every day, sources added.

BJP cries foul

However, city BJP has charged BMP of squandering tax payer’s money. “It has exposed BMP of its improper plans in implementing a project. Lakhs of rupees could have been saved if BMP had planned it well in advance, City BJP spokesperson S Prakash said.

Alleging irregularities in implementing the new plan, Mr Prakash charged that it is being implemensted against the Transparency Act, as BMP should award tender for any work worth over Rs five lakhs.