March 29, 2024

BENGALURU EXPRESS

Truth Triumphs

BBMP assures to dismantle mud road from Hosakerehalli lake after facing citizen’s heat

Bengaluru, March 23: Facing flak from citizens for constructing a 25 feet wide road on Hosakerehalli lake in Rajarajeshwari nagar, BBMP special commissioner (project) Ravindra PN visited the lake on Thursday and issued directions to officials to remove the mud.

Ravindra said, “I had no knowledge of the formation of a road on the lake. The directions were issued to construct a sewage diversion drain. The residents complained about the construction of the road hence we are visiting the lake today. A retaining wall around the lake will also be constructed.”

Allegations surfaced that the road is being constructed on the lake to facilitate access to a luxurious apartment in the vicinity.

BBMP chief engineer (lakes), Vijay Kumar Haridas said, “The road was temporary built only to facilitate movement of vehicles which would be deployed to rejuvenate the lake.”

BBMP sources said that Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the restoration of the lake. However, BBMP officials are tightlipped on how the work was undertaken without the approval of Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA).

Wildlife activist Joseph Hoover who raised alarm over the project said, “Money was spent to fill up the lake and money will be spent to have it removed. This is a waste of public money. However, we are happy that the lake will be saved. Dividing the lake into two halves with a road in between would destroy the ecology.”

Karnataka horticulture minister and area MLA Munirathna N dismissed the claims of construction of a road on the lake. “The lake has accumulated silt for the last 200 years. A mud track was made to facilitate the movement of trucks and other vehicles required for desilting. People have falsely alleged that a road has been constructed on the lake.”

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