Bengaluru: The govt has identified encroachments in 11,652 lakes of a total 40,988 lakes in the state, data from Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) reveals. As of Jan 21, encroachments from 6,575 lakes have been cleared, amounting to 23,983 acres of recovered land.
A survey of 30,244 lakes, found that 37,281 acres of land in 11,652 lakes had been encroached upon. The govt now aims to clear the remaining encroachments from 5,077 lakes, covering 13,298 acres. Minor irrigation minister NS Boseraju said the process of identifying and clearing encroachments is ongoing. “Chief minister Siddaramaiah recently held a meeting with the department concerned and instructed officials to clear remaining encroachments on top priority,” said Boseraju.
KTCDA also reported that 10,754 lakes, covering 224,344 acres, are yet to be surveyed. The survey department, KTCDA, and other agencies are expected to complete this process soon.
District-level committees, headed by deputy commissioners, have been tasked with identifying and clearing lake encroachments.
Among districts, Hassan (1,533), Shivamogga (1,227), and Mysuru (1,209) have the highest number of encroached lakes. In contrast, Yadgir and Kalaburagi have reported the least encroachments, with just six lakes in each district affected. Progress has been made in clearing encroachments, with authorities having reclaimed 509 lakes in Hassan, 576 in Shivamogga, and 818 in Mysuru.
