Two tanks at Athani town, constructed during the reign of the Adil Shahi dynasty in Bijapur, are slowly disappearing due to encroachment in the form of a few temporary sheds, shops and permanent commercial structures on their banks.
The tanks, situated in the heart of the town, are also used as dumping yards for waste.
Drainage water released into the tank is causing adverse effect on the health of people as well as on the environment.
Official records show that the tanks were spread across a total eight acres which has been reduced to five acres, 31 gunthas due to severe encroachment.
Due to largescale dumping of waste by nearby residents, hospitals, shopkeepers and encroachers, both tanks now have only a feet of water in them.
Another tank in the town has almost disappeared after being filled with silt.
Temporary sheds like chicken centres, garages, bakeries, vehicle oil shops, hotels and a permanent structure have been constructed on the site.
A nexus between officials and encroachers has been the main cause behind neglect in this matter.
The government had released `1.
5 crore to develop the tanks seven months ago.
However, the funds remain unused.
Athani Town Municipality Executive Officer J D Gudigennavar denied that there was any encroachment and said that the developing the tanks is under progess.
The tenders have already been invited and the work will start in a few weeks.
Kings of the Adil Shahi dynasty had constructed the tank to supply water to elephants and cattle during wars.
Later, the water was used to meet drinking water needs of the people.