Yelahanka lake under siege: Upa Lokayuktas spot encroachments, sewage inflow

Upa Lokayukta team inspects Yelahanka lake

Karnataka's Upa Lokayuktas conducted a surprise inspection of Yelahanka lake on Friday. The team, led by Justice B. Veerendra, found multiple encroachments along the lake's boundary. They also spotted raw sewage being discharged directly into the water body.

The lake, once a vital water source for the area, now shows signs of severe neglect. Garbage piles dotted the shoreline. The Upa Lokayuktas noted that the lake's catchment area had been reduced by illegal construction.

Encroachments and sewage inflow documented

During the inspection, the team identified at least half a dozen structures built on lake bed land. These included small shops and residential extensions. The sewage inflow, they observed, came from an upstream storm water drain that had been illegally tapped.

Justice Veerendra said the situation was alarming. He pointed out that the lake's natural recharge capacity had been compromised. The Upa Lokayuktas took photographs and video evidence during the visit.

Report submitted to government

The Upa Lokayukta office has submitted a detailed report to the Karnataka government. It recommends immediate removal of encroachments. It also calls for a comprehensive plan to stop sewage inflow and restore the lake's health.

Officials have not yet confirmed a timeline for action. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is expected to respond to the report. Environmental activists in Yelahanka have welcomed the inspection, saying they have raised these issues for years.

Residents demand long-term solution

Local residents, who have been fighting to save the lake, expressed cautious optimism. They said previous inspections led to temporary fixes. Without sustained monitoring, the problems return within months.

The Yelahanka lake is part of a network of water bodies that support Bengaluru's fragile ecosystem. Its degradation has affected groundwater levels in the surrounding areas. The Upa Lokayukta's intervention brings renewed attention to the issue.

What happens next depends on how quickly the government acts on the report. The Upa Lokayukta office has indicated it will follow up with a compliance check within three months.