Once green area now a jungle of skyscrapers

Once green area now a jungle of skyscrapers
Chandrashekar G | TNN

Bangalore: Just five years ago, Haralur area, off Sarjapur, was covered with lush greenery. It had huge open spaces, adequate groundwater and attracted many species of migratory birds.
Two lakes — Kaikondanahalli and Kasavanahallikere — and a huge patch of forest land added to the aesthetics of Shubh Enclave, a layout in the area. Today, it is a concrete jungle.
Though the area is surrounded by huge lakes, the water table is abysmally low. Private tankers supply water to residents.
Despite lack of groundwater as well as surface water supply, multi-storey buildings are mushrooming. To top it all, the catchment area of the lake is being encroached upon.
Shubh Enclave Site Owners’ Association president Rajeev Manikoth said, “Building plans for high-rise structures are being sanctioned by flouting norms like width of the roads, percentage of open space, supply of water and other basic amenities. Overflow from the lake is blocked by a wall in the catchment area. The main channel, which carries water from one lake to another, is blocked too. The wall prevents overflow of water from Kasavanahallikere, which is at a higher level than Kaikondanahalli. Kasavanahalli lake is also called Melina kere (upper lake) because of its gradation.’’
This has marooned a few houses and depleted groundwater. Repeated complaints to authorities have fallen on deaf ears. In the absence of an elected government, officials are not taking a tough stand.
“When BWSSB is not in a position to supply water and water crisis is at its peak, how can BDA and BMRDA sanction permission for skyscrapers?’’ asked Neligar, a resident.
Though areas surrounding the lake have been identified as Valley Zone in the Masterplan-2015, indiscriminate construction has been allowed, Neligar said.
“Highrises have mushroomed on Sarjapur Road, a low groundwater density zone. These developments have worry us,” said V Vasudevan, a resident.
Shubh Enclave residents are up in arms against construction of multi-storey buildings and have knocked on the doors of the revenue department.
Revenue inspector Venkatesh said a complaint was received. He added that spot inspection would be conducted after elections and a report submitted to the tahsildar.