BENGALURU: In a recent development around Haralur Lake in the Mahadevapura Zone of Bengaluru, the Namma Kere Trust organisation from JP Nagar brought attention to illegal construction activities in the lake’s buffer zone. Prompt action from citizens and intervention by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have temporarily halted the unauthorised construction, shedding light on the urgent need for a comprehensive survey of the lake’s boundaries.
R Rajagopal, Managing Trustee of Namma Kere Trust, thanked authorities for the responsiveness of the Special Commissioner (Environment and Lakes) and her team, as well as the Town Planning management. Following directions from the Joint Director of Town Planning (JDTP) North at BBMP HO, officials from JDTP (Mahadevapura Zone) inspected the site at Haralur Lake a few days ago. They identified unauthorised construction without a sanctioned plan and promptly halted the ongoing work. Citizens observed numerous pillars erected near the lake and construction debris strewn around the area.
However, citizens are now advocating for more decisive measures. A letter addressed to the BBMP emphasises the necessity of a priority-based encroachment survey initiated by the Lakes Department. Citizens demand swift action to secure the boundaries of Haralur Lake without delay. The letter also calls for the identification of the violating builder, site details, and issuance of formal notices in accordance with the law.
In the letter, Rajagopal highlighted, “There is also a concern about how the foundation and pillars were allowed to be constructed for so long in broad daylight under the supervision of local officials and what steps are being taken around this dereliction if any. The enforcement in this incident is sadly not over, and a small lapse in oversight or momentary lack of attention will give the violators the license to pursue their illegal ambitions, so we request further effective action in this matter and your directions to officials towards the same.”
