Vibuthipura: Lokayukta warns of criminal action against those dumping debris

Pushed to the brink despite citizen vigilantism, the endangered 45-acre Vibhutipura lake near HAL might just get a repreive.

Inspecting the water body on Friday, the Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty issued a stern warning that criminal action will be initiated against encroachers dumping construction debris there.

On his first visit to the lake, the Lokayukta was convinced that the water body deserves to be rejuvenated with the right mix of citizen activism and public-private partnerships. He had extensive interactions with activists of the Vikas Lake Trust, local residents and the local corporator Nagaraj.

Complaints of rampant encroachment, dumping of debris and safety poured in. The Lokayukta has decided to take this forward after another round of discussions with the Trust and all other stake-holders at his chamber on July 19.

He took upon himself the responsibility of ensuring all support from the state government. Two main issues that required priority focus were identified: Fencing of the lake and installing a 2 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP).

“These will require big money. Citizens here have assured that they can bring in some funds through corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. I will put efforts to bring in whatever funds from the government’s side,” he assured.

Security has been an issue, with anti-social elements frequenting the place. The Lokayukta said efforts are on to post two watchmen.

“BBMP too has promised to post a few securitymen. Besides, CCTVs are going to be put up at some locations,” said the Lokayukta.

Dumping of debris, an unregulated practice at the lake, had to be stopped. The Lokayukta resolved to seize the trucks that unload the debris and initiate criminal action against the violators. If the authorities do not take action against those flouting the norms set by the National Greens Tribunal, he threatened to pull up such officials.