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BENGALURU: Noting that the dwindling number of lakes in Bengaluru is a ‘very disturbing’ issue, the high court on Friday sought a response from the BBMP as well as the government on how 15 lakes had vanished in the past four and a half years.

A division bench headed by chief justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka said in the HC order dated December 1, 2014 it was recorded that 183 lakes in the city are under the BBMP’s control, but the agency’s latest statement indicated only 168 lakes are in its possession.

“You have to resolve the mystery of disappearance of 15 lakes in four and a half years,” the bench told the government and BBMP’s counsel. They were also told to submit preventive measures to be taken once a lake is cleared of encroachments.

What about audit by NEERI?

Dwelling further, the court sought response from the government and BBMP on whether it is agreeable to them to rope in National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a central agency, to conduct an audit of the city’s lakes and also suggest measures for improving them.

The court added that restoration and rejuvenation is the job of an expert body and doesn’t only involve clearing a lake of encroachments. It also observed that even though lakes are in BBMP’s control, the government is not powerless on the matter.

19 lakes used for other purposes: Palike

In its latest statement, the BBMP said of the 168 lakes in its possession, 19 have lost their characteristics and are now being used as bus stand, stadium office of the Pollution Control Board, revenue quarters at KHB Colony and BDA layouts etc.

Lakes at Konena Agrahara, Vijanapura, Ittamadu,, Chikkalasandra, Tavarekere, Kamakshipalya, Belakahalli, Doresanipalya Arehalli , Karisandra, Lingarajapuram and Geddalahalli are being used for other purposes, the Palike added.

The civic agency said 75 lakes have been fully developed and entry of sewage into the water bodies has been completely blocked. Renovation of 19 lakes are under way and will be completed by August 31, 2019, it added.

The next hearing on the PIL filed by Citizens Action Group and others is on June 13.

