Sankey Tank

Karnataka High Court

swanky multi-storeyed apartment.

Mantri Group

Sankey Park Walkers Association

National Green Tribunal

Having drawn flak for putting up a weak defence in protecting the 1.1 acre piece of land in the pristinearea, the state government has decided to go on an appeal against theorder that could pave the way for the construction of anWhile the forest department officials admitted that they were “completely embarassed” when the government lost the case in the High Court, forest minister Ramanath Rai told Bangalore Mirror: “We will definitely go on an appeal (against the HC order). We are examining the documents and studying the grounds on which the court dismissed our plea. We will collect all the land-related documents and appeal before the Supreme Court.”Bangalore Mirror had reported on April 25 how the 1.1 acre land adjoining the Sankey Tank had now fallen into the hands of a private builder,, and the precious space could make way for flats. The report sent shockwaves among residents around Sankey Tank and areas adjoining Sadashivanagar and public anger mounted. Members of theand residents had staged a protest on Sunday opposing an apartment complex in the vicinity.However, the citizens’ fight against Bellandur wetland encroachments and the Rs 140 crore penalty slapped by theon two builders including Mantri Group has made Sankey Park patrons to intensify their fight and take it to the next level. The association along with other walkers had staged a protest on Sunday opposing the construction of a residential complex around the lake area. They demanded that the land be taken away from the private builders and said the government has been fighting for a while to retrieve the land.The residents around the area are worried that the apartment complex surrounding the lake will not only deplete the water there, but also affect the animals and birds around the area. Prajwal S, 29, who works for a software company, who has been living around the area for the past five years, said, “This will not only spoil the sanctity of the place but will also lead to a shortage of resources. The association members have also planned to take out another protest and we will intensify it in the future if needed and follow the footsteps of resident welfare associations that have benefitted positively from aggressive revolt.”The Tribunal order has in fact given a sort of relief to the walkers association who hope that there fight will take a similar turn shortly and the judgment will be given in their favour. Anand, president, Sankey Tank Walkers Association, said, “We will take the judgment to our advantage while fighting for the Sankey Tank. Our area is also a wetland and a judgment in favour of the environment is very inspiring for our fight as well. We hope no buildings come near the Sankey Tank as well.”However, the association said that they are yet to decide on what will be the future course of action and will come up with a strong action plan soon.Vishwanath C N, 25, a web developer who has been going to the park for a long time, says, “When I go jogging these days, it does not feel the same anymore. There are roads dug up by the side and the place already looks disturbed. In fact, that lake has been largely responsible for me losing weight.And I feel sad looking at the present state of the lake now. We will do anything that it will take to maintain the sanctity of the place.”Even teenagers echo the same emotion. Aditya S Prasad, 16, who has been living in that area for several years, says, “There is a fear among the general public that the lake will be meddled with. The same thing had happened in Bellandur and they had to pay the price for it We hope that with similar kind of steps, we will also be able to bring that change and preserve the lake.”