So many hurdles to revive Kembathalli lake

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: While most of the lakes in the city are hungry for funds, Kembathalli Lake has been facing problems of a different kind when it comes to the much-delayed rejuvenation. One hurdle is the jurisdictional dispute between two wards – Anjanapura and Gottigere in Bengaluru South Assembly constituency.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Lakes Department had sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the rejuvenation of the lake a year ago but the rejuvenation work is yet to begin. The BBMP Lakes Department engineers are attributing this to the protest by some villagers. They said the residents of Kembathalli want to develop the lake land into civic amenities like a playground, burial ground and also construct a community hall.

“It would be better for the villagers as well as those residing in the vicinity of the lake if the rejuvenation work begins. The villagers want to bury bodies on the lake land. They claim it is a burial ground. I want the BBMP authorities to maintain the status quo and not allow the burial of bodies in future. What is the use of burying bodies at a place filled with dirty and stinking water?’’ asks Anand Yadwad, a lake activist.

According to Shailesh Charati, a resident of JP Nagar 8th phase, efforts are underway to rejuvenate Kembathalli Lake since 2019 and it was supported by the two corporators of Gottigere and Anjanapura wards and Bengaluru South MLA M Krishnappa. “The BBMP had floated the tender for the rejuvenation of the lake in January 2021 and the work order was issued sometime in August. Initially jungle clearing was taken up but it was stopped,’’ said Shailesh Charati.

The lake activists and residents said that the lake land was encroached upon and a few people made an attempt to construct a temporary wall for the burial ground but the BBMP authorities demolished it. “Burial of dead bodies is taking place at night. Now, villagers are creating hurdles to the lake rejuvenation work. Our only request is that the concerned officials and representatives work expeditiously to rejuvenate the lake without giving in to illegal demands,’’ he said.

Manjula B, a resident of Royal County Layout, said the BBMP authorities have to take measures to save and protect Kembathalli Lake from encroachers. “I want the BBMP authorities to rejuvenate the lake as early as possible for the betterment of people residing in the vicinity,’’ said Manjula.

Meanwhile, BBMP assistant executive engineer (Lakes) Nithya J said the rejuvenation of the lake has commenced. “As far as the encroachment of the lake land is concerned, there is a burial ground and a temple on the land. The revenue officials have to take a call on this issue,’’ said the assistant executive engineer.