Don’t allow immersion of idols in Bengaluru lakes: Karnataka HC

The HC was hearing petitions about removal of encroachment and unauthorised occupation of the city's lake beds and storm water drains (rajakaluve).

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The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday asked authorities in Bengaluru not to allow immersion of idols in lakes. The HC said that the government should identify separate places for the same purpose.

The HC was hearing petitions about removal of encroachment and unauthorised occupation of the city's lake beds and storm water drains (rajakaluve).

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice HT Narendra Parasad also directed the corporation to lift litter and garbage from around the lakes on a daily basis, reported Live Law.

Hearing the case about protecting lakes in the city, the bench said, “"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."

At the same time, the HC ordered the state government and the BBMP to install CCTV cameras around all lakes in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, the HC said the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) would carry out identification of lakes in Bengaluru and their encroachment.

The HC also directed the BBMP to conduct drives to educate people about the need for water bodies.

The HC reiterated several interim directions while hearing other bunch of petitions of Bengaluru lakes. The BBMP and the state government have been asked to come out with a grievance redressal mechanism in six weeks time. The HC said this would enable the citizens to lodge a complaint in writing, through email and they could 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 HC said.