However, miscreants, who have not only stolen but also broken most of the bulbs fitted to the electrical poles along the walking path, are now attempting to filch bamboo from the premises. A few days ago, the miscreants cut a bamboo plant but failed to remove it from the cluster of bamboos. “I was surprised to see that one of the bamboo plants had been cut. I immediately informed the volunteers at the lake. The authorities concerned must take measures to prevent miscreants from entering the lake,’’ said Balasubramanian S, a resident of Sai Sadan, Pai Layout.
For example, the BBMP roped in students of ITI Vidya Mandir School last year for planting around 40 saplings on Old Madras Road between Benniganahalli and Baiyappanahalli police station. The function was held with much fanfare but the saplings were forgotten by the BBMP forest department as soon as they were planted.
The residents of Pai Layout and surrounding areas expressed joy about the rejuvenation of the lake and basic amenities available for children and senior citizens. They said the lake was in a bad condition a few years ago.
These developments follow the publication of two articles by the Bangalore Mirror on October 11. These articles, titled “Let the lakes be.” and “What an idea! Draining a lake to desilt wetland,” highlight the concerns of residents regarding Benniganahalli Lake, a celebrated model lake in the city and how lake activists insisted on stopping draining water from Seegehalli Lake as it is needed to water the plants and trees around the lake bund.
Bangalore Mirror published a story – Weeds to water sports – on March 27 and another story – Lake faces toxic trespass – on June 20. Now, it is again in the news. This time, the water body has become a convenient place to immerse Ganesha idols for some.