Lokayukta team finds multiple violations during inspection of lakes in Bengaluru

A team led by Lokayukta B.S. Patil and Upa Lokayuktas K.N. Phaneendra and B. Veerappa conducted inspections of several lakes and surrounding areas in Bengaluru on Monday and found multiple violations including encroachments, dumping of waste and inflow of sewage into the waterbodies.

Mr. Patil inspected Sompura Lake in Banashankari 6th Stage and visited the Lingadheeranahalli solid waste processing unit nearby. Officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) briefed the Lokayukta about the Interception and Diversion System (IPS) project aimed at preventing sewage from entering the lake.

Treatment plant

The authorities said wastewater flowing into the lake would be diverted and pumped to a sewage treatment plant to keep the waterbody clean.

The Lokayukta directed officials to ensure that the IPS project was executed properly without lapses and submit periodic progress reports. Local residents raised complaints seeking fencing of the inner lake boundary to prevent misuse of the lake area, following which officials were directed to take necessary action.

During the visit to the Lingadheeranahalli solid waste processing unit, residents complained about foul smell, flies and leachate issues. The Lokayukta instructed the GBA officials to immediately address these problems and submit a compliance report within three days.

While returning from the inspection, Mr. Patil also noticed garbage dumped along roadsides and ordered civic officials to clear the waste immediately and submit a report on the action taken.

In front of Mate Savitri Bapu Kousalya Bhavan, heaps of garbage had piled up on both sides of the road and had not been cleared. The Upa Lokayukta directed authorities to remove the waste without delay.

At the Tin Factory area, a storm-water drain near the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and police quarters was clogged with garbage, obstructing the free flow of water. The officials were instructed to remove the waste.

Abandoned vehicles

Several abandoned and damaged vehicles had also been parked along both sides of the road for many days, causing inconvenience to the public. Mr. Veerappa directed officials to impose penalties on the owners and register cases if necessary. Old sofas, chairs and other discarded items dumped along the roadside were also ordered to be removed immediately.

At the NGV area in Koramangala, weeds, fallen tree branches and other waste were found accumulated in a storm-water drain near the judicial officers’ quarters, preventing water from flowing properly and leading to mosquito breeding. The officials were instructed to clear the drain at the earliest.

The Upa Lokayukta directed the civic authorities to take immediate corrective measures and ensure proper maintenance of lakes, roads and storm-water drains to prevent inconvenience to residents.