BENGALURU: Kempambudhi Kere, once an extensive lake that made Bengaluru proud, is now a barren expanse under threat from land-grabbers.
Located near the 12th century Gavi Gangadeshwara temple in Basavangudi, it also has, on its periphery, one of the four towers built by Kempe Gowda II.
This is one of the city’s oldest and most famous water bodies, and and is surrounded by five temples. The lake has been dry for 25 to 30 years, and half-hearted efforts to revive it have only made the situation worse.
About three decades ago, dhobis used the water in the lake to wash clothes. An oldtime resident said suicides were common in the lake around the time SSLC and PUC results were announced.
“The dhobis used to just push the bodies inside and continue their work,” she said. “Policemen would stand around the lake to stop people from committing suicide.”
The lake is spread across 47 acres and seven guntas. Legislator R V Devaraj says the lake belongs to the government.
The Bandi Kallamma Trust, which runs an ancient temple there, is staking claim to a part of the land. About four acres belong to Gavipuram village, according to a revenue survey.
The lake has become a dump, choked with weeds, hyacinth, silt and sewage. Two gutters empty themselves into the lake. The sewage comes from Bull Temple Road, Hanumanthanagar, Chamarajpet and other areas in the vicinity. The sewage also comes from houses directly connected to the drains, according to Ramakrishna, Chief Engineer, Waste Water Management, BWSSB.
When it rains, filthy water floods the lake. Both the BBMP and the BWSSB are working on cleaning it up, officials say.
“The BBMP is clearing the overgrowth and the BWSSB has diverted the sewage line. The government has allotted `7 crore. Treated water will be let into the lake once the BBMP cleans up the place,” Ramakrishna told City Express.
Seshadri Naidu, who works under the BBMP contractor Babu, said cleaning of the lake began in December 2015. The BBMP has already cleared the gutters.
A railway gate adjoining the lake is closed now. People believe a king and queen who once lived around here are buried in the area.
Deer park and the wealth charm
A deer park is an attraction near the lake. It opens at
4 pm and is a favourite with children and strollers. It runs a toy train for children, but faces the problem of stray animals.
The park is surrounded by flowering trees. The outer fringe of the park is a forest, with no human inhabitants. It has anthills to which people perform pooja.
A boulder in the lake has given rise to a myth. People living around here believe a huge five-hood snake lives near it, and anyone spotting it becomes rich.