'Sewage must not enter drains from HSR Layout to Agara lake'

The High Court has directed the Lake Development Authority (LDA) to call a joint meeting of all stakeholders to discuss and formulate methodologies for rejuvenation and restoration of Agara and Bellandur lakes in the City.

Hearing a PIL filed by the Koramangala 1st Block Residents’ Welfare Association, a division bench of Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice Ram Mohan Reddy on Monday directed the LDA to call a joint meeting of the BDA, the KIADB, the BBMP, the BWSSB, Mantri Techzone Pvt Ltd and Core Mind Software and Services Pvt Ltd. Besides, it directed the BWSSB to bring about modalities to stop sewage from entering storm water drains that flow from HSR Layout to Agara lake.

The bench, in its order, directed the KIADB to ensure that the spillover water from Agara lake enters Bellandur lake through water channels, and to conduct resurvey of Bellandur lake to fix the boundaries for further development. It also directed Mantri and Core Mind to make efforts for rejuvenation and maintenance of the two lakes. The bench also ordered the restoration of lakes to their original measurement, removing encroachments and submitting a report in the next hearing.

The petitioners have contended that construction activities taken up by two private companies had rapidly encroached upon the storm water drains that run through the land, thus blocking the flow of water into Bellandur lake. They argued that real estate developers, Mantri Techzone Pvt Ltd and Core Mind Software and Services Pvt Ltd (both respondents), had proposed a Rs 2,300-crore project for setting up a park, hospitality and residential units and a mall covering approximately 80 acres immediately abutting the Agara lake.

The residents further contended that the said project lies between Agara and Bellandur lakes, and is located on the valley land that connects the two lakes. If construction and encroachment are not stayed, it would result in irreparable damage to environment, they noted.

Agara lake, which was once spread over 143.25 acres, was reduced to 97.25 acres after the formation of HSR Layout. Bellandur lake covers 891.0 acres. The bench has adjourned the next hearing until June 10, 2015.