Disappointed over repeatedly requesting the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to fence and protect the Somasundarapalya lake in HSR Layout, the residents of Somasundarapalya and Haralakunte on Sunday took out a walkathon in order to draw the attention of officials as well as residents of the layout.
The lake, residents alleged, is being slowly encroached upon houses and temples and even a mud road has appeared on the lake bed area in the past few months. The lake was encroached through dumping of construction debris at night. It was later levelled out making way for further encroachments.
Even though the BDA had promised to protect the lake by fencing it and posting guards, no action has been taken yet.
“Encroachments have cropped up already, in spite of our best efforts to get the lake fenced and guarded, no one is interested in protecting the water body,” said Devesh, a resident.
On Sunday, the residents gave the BDA a deadline of October 20 to complete fencing of the lake and posting guards to prevent dumping of debries. MLA, Sathish Reddy, who was also present at the meeting, promised to fence the lake from his own funds if the BDA does not comply.
Residents are firm on the fact that encroachments on the lake bed must also be removed by the BDA. Although BDA officials were present during the walkathon and the meeting, there was no official statement from the authority.