Borewell rigs in buffer zones of lakes, Rajakaluves: Residents

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Residents near Whitefield have alleged that bore wells have been drilling unauthorized in a few areas, despite the order issued by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on prior permission before drilling the same, amidst the city’s water crisis.

Whitefield, which falls under the Mahadevapura Zone of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is one amongst the worst hit.

Dry bore wells, added with complaints of low water supply from Cauvery has put them on limbo.

Residents have alleged that drillings in buffer zones of the Pattandur Agrahara Lake have commenced a day after the order. Sandeep Anirudhan, convenor of Namma Whitefield, alleged that the drilling rig had vanished when asked about the permission.

However, complaints of drilling on buffer zones of lakes and Rajakaluve have crept in. A resident who lives near Hagadur Main road, on the grounds of Anonymity alleged that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have initiated drilling near a Rajakaluve, behind a gated community.

“They defend this move, because a geologist had told them to do so,” the resident alleged. Lines for these borewells, which were privately owned, are allegedly taken over by the BBMP.

Ward officials have confirmed that these bore wells are operated by the Palike, however their basis and the pipeline that the water will flow through is still unclear.

When News Trail tried to visit the rig, a few people claiming to be ‘land owners,’ had sent the reporter away. This gives out a suspicious tone in which the process is carried out.

Residents in a few gated communities claimed that bore well rigs were present. When News Trail tried to verify the claims of the residents, the reporter was stopped by security personnel of the said community.

Previously unplanned proceedings, in addition to lack of transparency has put salt on wounds of these residents.