BANGALORE: The condition of Doddabommasandra Lake is a perfect example of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP’s) negligence to preserve water bodies that were once the lifelines for water supply in and around Bangalore for many years.The present status of Doddabommasandra Lake needs immediate attention of the BBMP authorities since the lake has been a primary water source for borewells in Vidyaranyapura, Doddabommasandra and other areas. With the lake being dry for more than eight years, many borewells in the vicinity of the lake have dried up. “We had no water shortage as long as there was water in the lake. However, we have been facing a lot of problems of late since many borewells have dried up,” said Hanumanthappa of Doddabommasandra. The restoration and rejuvenation of Doddabommasandra Lake began in 2003 with an estimated cost of `3 crore. It was entrusted to the forest department. However, the lake was handed over to the BBMP in 2007-2008. The civic body had spent `75.13 lakh to put up a chain fence around the 124-acre lake. It had also constructed a walking path for the benefit of people who wish to use the lake bund for regular walks in the morning and evening. “After putting up the fence and undertaking some development works, the BBMP has forgotten the existence of this lake. The civic body has to be ashamed for neglecting this water body,’’ said Ramachandrappa, a resident of Vidyaranyapura.Echoing similar opinions, M E Pillappa, Corporator, Doddabommasandra Ward, said that the lake was very useful for the people of Doddabommasandra and other areas. “I am not happy with the condition of this lake. I have already advised the BBMP engineers to prepare a plan for the rejuvenation of this lake. I am expecting the work on the lake to begin shortly,’’ said Pillappa. Meanwhile, Gangahanumaiah, Executive Engineer, BBMP, said that a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared for the development of the lake. He also said that the BBMP had taken up the initiative of planting saplings and clearing the encroachment by slum dwellers in the area. “We have decided to strengthen the lake bund, provide walkways, lights, shelter for watchmen and immersion tank as soon as the BBMP allots the funds,’’ said the executive engineer.He said that a proposal has been sent to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to allocate two MLD sewage water to the lake on a daily basis. “We will use soil biotechnology method to treat the sewage water before letting it into the lake. We will also provide silt trap at various points around the lake to prevent silt and other waste materials flowing into the lake with water,’’ said the executive engineer.
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