BDA clears layout plan on lakebed

BDA clears layout plan on lakebed
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: On one side of the sprawling 900-acre Bellandur Lake, towards Kempapura village, is a layout being developed where the mouth of the lake is filled with sand. It appears to be a clear case of encroachment of the lakebed.
The BDA approved a layout plan for 5 acre and 3 guntas of Bellandur lakebed of Kempapura village in Varthur hobli.
While a portion of the land has been converted for nonagricultural purpose, a chunk has been left unconverted. This irregularity came to the notice of the A T Ramaswamy Committee. This has not escaped the Lok Ayukta’s attention either.
Based on the Lok Ayukta’s query, deputy commissioner, Bangalore Urban, M A Sadiq wrote to the BDA commissioner for details of encroachment of the lakebed. According to the BDA, a layout sanction plan was given to 5 acres 3 guntas, which includes a portion of the lakebed. The BDA approved the plan in May 2004 and issued the work order along with a copy of the layout plan in August 2004. While 4 acres of land have been converted, the remaining have not.
“The developer had included the lakebed in the plan that was approved. He constructed a wall showing the boundary and filled the mouth of the lake with sand. We have demolished the wall and have directed him to desilt the portion of the lake, failing which action will be,” Sadiq told STOI.