BANGALORE: Namma Bangalore is blessed with the bounty of nature.From lush green trees, blooming flowers, to picturesque lakes and parks where one can get close to nature.This was probably one of the main factors that attracted many to the ‘Garden City’.The picture has changed drastically over the last few decades. Thanks to the urbanisation and the development work that followed close, the city has lost a number of lakes due to encroachment, restoration and sometimes even neglect.Popular localities such as Domlur and Russel Market were once a lake. Dharmanbudhi lake was dug-up and filled to construct a bus terminal, popularly known as Majestic Bus Stand.Yediyur Lake on the other hand is dying due to neglect. Though the lake which is situated in Basvangudi is not very big, it attracts a number of tourists and residents who come for recreational activities.Like many other lakes, this one too, is on the verge of extinction. Weeds seem to have taken over the lake with their rampant population, while the plastic waste seem to ironically add colour to the surface of the lake.Unfortunately, neither the residents and nor the concerned authorities seem to be bothered about the rate at which this beautiful lake is deteriorating. Another problem that is cropping up is that young children and their parents seem to clearly disregard and disrespect the sign boards forbidding certain activities.“Children playing here is fine. The problem arises when they pluck flowers, even though there is a board prohibiting it. The sad part is that instead of teaching the children to oblige, the parents turn a blind eye,” said an elderly resident of Basvangudi on the condition of anonymity.Though the celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi got over long ago, the small tank which was created for the immersion is literally over flowing with the idols. “These idols have been lying here since the festival began. No one has come forward to clear the tank or the lake. It is very disappointing to see such neglect by the authorities,” said Rama, a visitor. If the condition of the lake was not bad enough, the amenities provided are worse. The washrooms are in a deplorable condition. Vibin Balan a visitor, was astonished by the Palike’s apathy."The washrooms are stinking and dirty. They have probably not been cleaned or maintained since time immemorial. I would sincerely advice other visitors not to use them," said Balan.According to Prakash, the BBMP chief engineer for South zone, weeds in the lake are a natural phenomena. “I will look into the matter and will inspect the lake,” he said. When questioned about the idols in the tank, the engineer said that they are waiting for some more immersion. “Some people are still celebrating the festival. Once all the celebrations are over we will clean the tank. As far as the old public toilets are concerned they will be demolished and new ones will be constructed,” he added.That said and done, the engineer also commented that according to him the lake was clean and there was no problem with it. From the looks of it, it seems that the engineer has also conveniently overlooked the excessive weed growth and the plastic waste that has been disposed of in the lake.When City Express asked him about the funds spent so far on the maintenance of the lake, the engineer retorted saying that he has just been (a monthy ago) transferred to the department and will need some more time to get study the procedures. “I will have to check the money spent so far. At the moment there is no budget that has been allocated for the maintenance of the lake,” he said. One wonders how much more time do the Palike's officials need to be well acquainted with the task.
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