The BBMP Lakes Department has faced criticism for initiating construction of the wall for fencing the lake without removing silt and not conducting a survey to clear the encroachments on the lake land. Residents claim that over five acres of lake land has been converted into a private layout, with the land mafia having sold some residential sites.
Bangalore Mirror published a story – “Lake goes to waste…” on August 1, narrating how Srigandhada Kaval Lake has been reduced to a mere bowl of water as gyms, walking paths, and an amphitheatre take over. It also explained how the lake’s size has been reduced from 6.20 acres to four acres.
Kenchanahalli Lake is currently in the custody of the BBMP, has never been restored. Owing to the entry of untreated sewage, weeds have mushroomed across the waterbody.
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.