Karnataka Lokayukta P Vishwanatha Shetty reviewed the damage at Krishna Layout on Monday

BENGALURU: Karnataka Lokayukta justice P Vishwanatha Shetty on Monday asked top officials of civic and government agencies to submit an interim report on the cause of the bund breach in Hulimavu lake, which affected thousands of families and caused significant property damage.

The officials have two weeks to share the findings.

The anti-corruption ombudsman, who visited the site on Monday morning, said residents had suffered because of civic personnel’s negligence.

“I have directed asked civic agencies to submit an interim report, but we will need a detailed report on the causes of various lake breaches and corrective measures,” Justice Shetty said. Answers have been sought from the BBMP, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, water and sewerage board BWSSB and state health department.

Justice Shetty, along with other officials, reviewed the damage at Krishna Layout, where over 98 houses were inundated. “It is very saddening to see the condition of these families, including children. The cause of the bund breach must be examined. Did it occur because of natural factors, mischief of troublemakers or negligence by authorities tasked with protecting the lake?” he said.

The project for rejuvenating Hulimavu lake came on the Lokayukta’s radar in September 2018 after freedom fighter and activist HD Doreswamy filed a complaint over delayed work. In July this year, the Lokayukta ordered BBMP to submit a status report on the project. BBMP didn’t respond.

The Lokayukta issued a notice asking the assistant director (land records) of Anekal taluk and the tahsildar to conduct a survey of the lake, remove encroachments and hand in a status report on February 2, 2020.

Justice Shetty on Monday sought adequate compensation for residents and measures to prevent outbreak of any disease.

“BBMP should directly transfer funds into the bank accounts of those affected. I have directed my officers to maintain a database with names of the affected, their passbook details and their addresses,” he told TOI. “Often, middlemen try to exploit such situations. We will monitor the fund transfer and money provided for bund repairs.”

