BBMP will maintain lakes

BBMP will maintain lakes

TIMES NEWS NETWORK


Bangalore: BBMP will soon be given control over all lakes that fall within its jurisdiction. At present, the forest department controls lakes, except for 17 that have been handed over to BBMP by the Lake Development Authority (LDA) for development.
Besides, all lakes in areas falling beyond BBMP’s jurisdiction will be brought under the BDA and BMRDA, Bangalore South MP and senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar said on Tuesday. After inspecting Yediyur lake for Ganesha idol immersion, he said a meeting will soon be held with the chief secretary to shift the control of lakes to BBMP.
On flooding problems, Kumar said there is a need for a comprehensive Act to prevent encroachment of lakes and punish officials who collude in approving illegal constructions. “We need a long-term approach towards prevention of enchroachment, conservation and beautification of lakes,” he added.
Kumar said BBMP commissioner S Subramanya will meet contractors to look into the encroachment issue and chart out measures to ensure relief in affected areas on a long-term basis.
Transport minister R Ashok, BBMP commissioner S Subramanya and Kumar, after inspecting Yediyur lake, also visited areas in Bhuvaneshwarinagar and Brunton Cross that have been affected by flooding.
Residents of Nandi Enclave in Bhuvaneshwarinagar and Terrace Garden in Brunton Cross briefed the team about their rain-related worries. Both apartment complexes are located close to stormwater drains. Residents said the flooding has become a routine over the years.
A resident of Nandi Enclave said whenever it rains, water from the stormwater drain enters the ground floor of the buildings. A few months ago, two cars were washed away after a downpour.
Ashok assured residents that a survey of the area will be carried out and action taken to remove encroachments around the stormwater drain. He also promised widening and desilting of the drains.