NHAI set to prey on Yellammappa Lake

NHAI set to prey on Yellammappa Lake


Imran KhanFirst Published : 12 Mar 2009 04:19:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 12 Mar 2009 08:38:05 AM IST
BANGALORE: National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) plan to broaden a national highway (old Madras Road) threatens the survival of the Yellammappa Chetty Lake, one of the oldest water bodies in the city.
What is even more intriguing is the tussle between NHAI and Lake Development Authority (LDA), which is crying foul on two counts - it has termed the NHAI proposal as illegal and for not seeking its permission before starting the work.
On the other hand, NHAI asserts that there was no need to seek permission from the LDA as the lake in question did not come under the latter’s jurisdiction.
Speaking to Express, LDA CEO CS Vedant, said that they were mulling over slapping a notice on the NHAI. He, however, hastened to add that there was a need to go slow on the issue as he wanted to consult several agencies before taking any action.
NHAI project director Manoj Kumar, however, defended the expansion plan saying that “Yellammappa Chetty Lake doesn’t come under LDA’s jurisdiction.” He stated that NHAI had already obtained permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and from the State Pollution Control Board.
Stating that the road needed to be expanded till Hoskote to do away with the chicken neck to avoid congestion, Manoj said that they were expanding the road in the larger interests of the general public.
Caught between the NHAI and the LDA, another water body is likely to be buried in the name of development says film maker and green activist Suresh Heblikar, who has demanded that concerned authorities should take steps to preserve and protect the lake.