Lake under threat in South Bengaluru: Residents flag alleged encroachment at Jakkasandra Lake

Locals approach the Chief Minister seeking urgent action as dumping continues at an identified lake site in Begur Hobli, raising serious concerns over groundwater and future drinking water security.

Serious allegations of lake encroachment have emerged from south Bengaluru, with residents and activists raising alarm over continuous dumping activity at Jakkasandra Lake in Agara village. The issue has now reached the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with locals demanding immediate intervention to protect the water body.

According to the complaint, the encroachment is taking place at Jakkasandra Lake, located in Survey Number 40 of Begur Hobli, Bengaluru South Taluk, within Bengaluru Urban district. Over the past five days, large quantities of debris and soil have allegedly been dumped into the lake area using heavy tipper lorries.

Residents claim that the dumping is being carried out openly with large vehicles, yet without any prior information to the local community. Vehicles allegedly linked to KKS Earth Movers are being used for the activity. The vehicle numbers cited in the complaint include KA 51 AH 2597 and KA 55 M 2955, which locals allege are directly involved in filling up the lake area.

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The residents allege that the encroachment is being carried out under the guise of development, but warn that such actions will have long-term consequences. Concerns have been raised that the destruction of the lake will severely impact groundwater recharge, leading to drying up of nearby borewells and creating a future drinking water crisis in the surrounding areas.

Despite repeated complaints to local Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials, residents allege that no concrete action has been taken so far. This inaction has prompted them to escalate the matter by writing directly to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging immediate steps to stop the alleged illegal activity.

A detailed representation has also been submitted highlighting the legal and environmental implications of the encroachment. The letter outlines specific demands, including an immediate halt to all dumping and encroachment activities, seizure of the vehicles involved, strict legal action against KKS Earth Movers and others responsible, disciplinary action against officials who failed to act on complaints, and restoration of the lake to its original condition as per law.

The complaint underscores growing public concern over the rapid loss of Bengaluru’s lakes and the need for strict enforcement to safeguard remaining water bodies.