BANGALORE: The Sarakki Lake which was built during the reign of Kempegowda in the city was well-maintained even during the period of British rule. The lake, then served four villages in the surrounding areas namely Jaraganahalli, Puttenahalli, Chunchagatta and Sarakki. Today, the condition of the lake is so bad what with the emanating obnoxious stench, the lake is now a dump yard with garbage being disposed of to a great extent. Recently, two siblings lost their lives when one of them accidentally fell into the lake that has no proper fencing.It is a vivid example of the sheer negligence and apathy of the government bodies with respect to cleansing, de-weeding, de-silting and also allowing sewage from the neighbouring apartments to pollute the lake. Sarakki Lake which was over 86 acres in 1960s is now reduced to less than 60 acres. The then lake was once home for rare aquatic species but today it is filled with nitrate and other toxic acids. Due to continuing pollution, the flora and fauna has almost disappeared.Residents of this area say that many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and individuals came forward to restore and rejuvenate the lake but in vain. Now, the initiative is being undertaken by Sarakki Lake Area Improvement Trust. The trust has requested the Chief Minister to alert the authorities to take up necessary action against unchecked encroachments, untreated sewage flowing into the lake and others related issues. But the trust till date has not received any reply from the authorities.One of the members of the trust said, “Over a decade ago, the area comprised 10-15,000 people but now the population has increased up to 2 lakh. As the population is increasing, the development works is taking a back seat. For the past five years, there has certainly been no development or any initiative taken by the Government to clean the lake. We have also discussed these issues with the local MLA and the corporators but nothing has been done.”Nearly Rs 4 crore was spent by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) for fencing and de-silting the lake in 2006. At the same time, a portion of the money, Rs 85 lakhs was used by BWSSB to construct an underground drainage system that turned out to be completely defective. Residents said that the only visible development that took place was that it was fenced. But now, even that fence is torn at many places and gaping holes for anybody to enter or meet with accidents.On the other hand, the storm water drains are now over flowing with garbage while untreated sewage is being let into the lake by the BWSSB. Speaking about the water contamination in the lake, A S Sadashivaiah, Chairperson of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said, “Our primary responsibility is to check the health of the lake and quality of water in the lakes around the city. But at the same time, KSPCB is a regulatory body and we alert other bodies like BWSSB and BBMP to take measures against such issues.” He also claimed that there are many lakes in the city which are in a good condition.Vice President of the Sarakki Lake Area Improvement Trust, said, “We are facing serious health hazards due to the continuing degradation of the lake. The government is playing the blame game, each time; we approach them with the issue of cleansing the lake.”BDA Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena was unavailable for any comments. Meanwhile, the corporator of Jaraganahalli Suguna Balakrishna informed City Express that earlier the lake was under the supervision of Karnataka Forest Department and was later handed over to BBMP. “However, the lake was again brought under the purview of BDA in January 2012. Hence, we do not have any role to play with respect to the development of the lake.”With lakes turning into a dumping yard, in no time soon the people of Bangalore will be left with the reminiscence of their existence. Will the authorities initiate stringent action to restore our water bodies ever?
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