Troubles overflow at Basavanna Lake

By Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: Water bodies are supposed to dry up in summer but at Basavanna Lake in Basavanapura, it can happen anytime. It might dry up in winter this year, for the bund on the northern side of the lake is sinking, allowing water to drain out. It’s one more in a series of disappointments for residents and activists, who get together every few months for a pooja to celebrate Basavanna Lake.

In October last year, they were thrilled to see their lake filled to the brim. By the time the pooja arrangements were made, the water had drained out because the contractor had failed to remove a concrete pipe after a 2018 rejuvenation project.

The BBMP Chief Engineer (Lakes) directed the executive engineer and assistant executive engineer to fix the problem and a contractor was engaged. Residents and activists expressed their gratitude to the BBMP and decided on another pooja on August 4, 2021. This time, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Basavaraj was also in attendance. Less than three months have passed but the bund is sinking once more.

“The contractor was negligent,” says Balaji Raghotham, a lake activist. “He strengthened the bund without removing the concrete pipe. It needs to be fixed at the earliest to prevent the lake from drying up in winter.”

Basavanapura resident Thangavelu A. says the BBMP engineers are to blame. “They have failed miserably. They should have supervised the bund restoration last year,” he said. BBMP Executive Engineer (Lakes) Ravi said the bund was strengthened with controlled low strength material last year. “I will visit the spot soon,’’ said Ravi.