In 2009, Gottigere Lake grabbed the limelight when allegations of NICE Road encroaching on the lakebed came to fore and the matter was subsequently taken to the court.
A hue and cry was made both by the residents and environmental groups. However, today when the lake is nearing its extinction, neither the residents nor the authorities have come forward to revive and rejuvenate the lake.
Located on Bannerghatta Road, the lake is said to be more than 500 years old. When City Express visited the lake, we were shocked to see that the lake which was the bone of contention in the High Court of Karnataka, a few years ago, today hardly has any water. Whatever little water it has, is polluted and has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In fact, the lake has been converted into a grazing field for cattle and a dumping yard for the refuse of the city.
And, if immediate action is not initiated for its revival, in no time it will be a dead lake like many others in the city.
“This used to be a huge lake once. Today, if anyone wants to visit the lake, it is a tough job to even locate it. People have almost forgetten about the lake,” said Dheeraj Kanchan, a resident of Bannerghatta Road.
Voicing a similar opinion, Vivek another resident said, “In the name of development and infrastructure projects, the authorities have ignored the most important thing that is protecting the water bodies in the city.
Once, it was a soothing sight to see the blue waters and migratory birds flocking the lake. But, now I have no hopes of seeing the sight ever again."
When City Express contacted the corporator, SK Pushpa, as usual her husband informed, "We need `10 crore for the revival of the lake. The budget has not been sanctioned yet. In fact, BBMP is required to forward some funds to BDA for the development of the lake, but BBMP itself is undergoing a financial turmoil at present.
Moreover, a survey was done by the Tahsildar office, after the survey notices were served on parties who were found guilty of encroachment. The case has been taken to the Tahsildar court."
He added, "Resurvey will soon be done and if necessary we will take up the fencing activities again."