The Karnataka High Court on June 18, 2019, to protect lakes in the Bengaluru city has suggested Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to consider creating artificial ponds for immersion of idols and pooja material.
A Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice H.T. Narendra Parasad also directed the corporation to lift litter and garbage from around the lakes every day without fail.
Besides urging the civic body to display board and appeal to citizens to not throw garbage in lakes, the court also directed it to install CCTV cameras, around the lakes to prevent miscreants from damaging lakes in any manner.
To enable citizens to lodge a complaint, the court further directed the corporation and the state to come up with a grievance redressal mechanism in six weeks’ time. This would allow citizens to lodge complaints in writing, through email and also upload pictures of any illegality or encroachments near lakes.
"Complainant will be entitled to seek action taken report as a matter of right after the expiry of the specific period of lodging the complaint. If the complainant desires his identity should be kept anonymous,” the court said.
The court had observed that "Prima facie we find there has been a complete failure on the part of the state government and its authorities to protect the lakes/tanks and other water bodies in the city of Bengaluru."
The corporation has told the court that 168 lakes are in its possession, 17 of which had lost the characteristics of lakes and were being utilized as bus stations, stadiums, office of Pollution Control Board, revenue quarters, KHB colony and BDA layouts. The report indicated less number of lakes as were identified in a 2014 survey, which said Bengaluru had 183 lakes. However, last week the corporation told the court that there were 210 lakes in the city.
The court has posted the matter for further hearing on August 5, 2019, and asked the state and the authorities to file compliance report of its directions.
