Yelahanka lake unsafe for surrounding residents, but BBMP's still dragging its feet

Yelahanka lake is overflowing since Sunday after the heavy rains lashed the City
The lake was revived at the cost of Rs 18 crore early this year
Residents living around the lake fear that it would be too late before the Palike officials come to their rescue

yelahanka lake overflowing threatening to flood

The continuous downpour that the city has been witnessing for the past two days has been giving sleepless nights to residents of Yelahanka. People living in the low-lying areas have been clearing the drain water that had entered their houses through the Sunday night. But the residents are more worried about the fact that the Yelahanka lake is overflowing threatening to flood the buildings nearby.

The lake was given the fresh lease of life after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and Lake Development Authority revived it at the cost of Rs 18 crore. Spread over 300 acres, the lake is popular among the morning walkers as it has a six-kilometre long walking track. Besides, the lake is home to various species of birds. On Sunday, the lake overflowed on to the nearby buildings threatening to cross its danger mark.

In fact, there have been reports of Begur and Madiwala lake overflowing since Sunday after the heavy rains lashed the city. People were seen playing in the water reliving their childhood days. At the overflowing Madiwala lake, children were seen fishing in the rainwater. Besides, the Lalbagh lake has been filled to the brim after nearly a decade. Begur lake flooded over 800 houses around it, reports The Hindu.

While the heavy rain has come as a boon to the parched city, the residents living near the Yelahanka lake are disturbed over the fact that the authorities concerned are yet to take measures to prevent breaching of the lake. It may be recalled here that last year, Hulimavu and Madiwala lakes had flooded various parts of South East Bengaluru after the tank bunds were breached putting residents of the area into inconvenience.

Not just Yelahanka lake, Jakkur lake and Rachenahalli lakes in the north and Somasundara Palya, Hulimavu, Madiwala, Bellandur and Varthur lake in the South East are nearing the danger mark, reports The Hindu quoting KV Ravi, executive engineer (lakes) BBMP.

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