BANGALORE: Alake in the midst of the city - which is seen mostly in advertisements to sell lake-facing properties in between Vinayak Nagar and Sri Krishna Layout - is facing the threat of encroachment. Solid wastes, building materials in particular, are being dumped in the lake, but a much bigger problem is casting its shadow on this water body. The mining activity near the banks of the lake is set to destroy the entire aquatic eco-system. The mining blasts disrupt the life of the aquatic creatures. A resident of the area, Bhuban, who regularly cycles around this lake in the evening said, “A couple of years ago, the lake was a heavenly place. But currently, most of it is surrounded by filth and dumped construction material.” Like most of the other lakes in the city, Hulimavu Lake is also fighting its battle against hyacinths, the weeds which cut off the surface oxygen supply to the aquatic beings. Drains containing contaminated water from the nearby layouts also open into the lake. “Two years ago, a small temple structure was erected on the lake bed, after filling part of it with mud. The banks of the lake are also used for performing poojas and havans,” added Bhuban. “People also wash and bath in the lake. Cab-drivers use it to wash their vehicles,” said Ajeej, another resident. While a permanent bund exists around the lake, there is a need to fence it completely, so that the encroachment of the lake bed can be prevented, say people.