Don't you hear the lakes cry?
National Green Tribunal has taken the state government to task over ignoring lakes such as Bellandur and Agata, and penalised the state and BBMP to the tune of Rs 75 crore. Terribly embarrassed by this, the state government has tried to defend itself by saying NGT has no jurisdiction to penalise the state government and that the tribunal needs to stay within its limits. Whether NGT can penalise the state or not is a point apart. But one cannot ignore the rap of NGT on the status of lakes in Bengaluru. Because this issue is not restricted to NGT alone but the survival of lakes all over Karnataka and the survival of the state itself. The state government Maine escape without having to pay any penalty to be NGT today.
when compared to the Glory days of future when the state will have to suffer for lack of drinking water, this penalty is nothing. The state government will have to consider this as a warning call and work towards conservation of lakes in the state. Let's consider Bengaluru for instance. the city is dependent on Kaveri river for its water needs. If this river dries up, the city will not be able to meet any of its water needs. The need for water is in ever-increasing one in an ever-expanding City like Bengaluru. But the rivers aren't increasing in number neither is their ability to hold more water in their expanse. This is an impossible situation. Hence the government will have to think about this issue with a lot more seriousness than before. Should Bangalore depend on a river for all its water needs for years to come?
The city has been always known as Garden City. But prior to that, our administrators have forgotten that Bengaluru as the city of lakes. Two years ago, when a scrutiny was carried out, statistics had shown about 835 lakes on record. Documents show lakes covered about 27,000 acres of land space. More than 4000 acres has been encroached already. And in the state, about 10,000 lakes have already disappeared. The culture of this land is spread across the lakes it has housed. They are the lifeline of this land. Before the mega reservoirs were built lakes provided for the water requirements of people. This statement is true to the core as far as North Karnataka is concerned. Every Lake carries a lot of history on its bed.
The history and heritage of Karnataka can be traced through its lakes. To rejuvenate the lakes east to the agrarian culture of this land. The lakes of this land date back to the time of Kadambas. Owing to the cultural significance of lakes, every temple has a lake of its own in our state. The mark of every ruler who ruled any part of this expanse is left on the lakes that he built. Chandavalli lake of Chitradurga, Sulekere of Channagiri taluk, Lingambudhi lake of Mysore, Kukkarahalli lake and many others are significant not just because they hold water, but also because they are treasures of history and heritage as well. Mysore had about 20 lakes in the bygone era, but most of them have dried up today after being choked by silt. Kukkarahalli lake and Lingambudhi lake still have some life left in them. The other lakes are polluted to the core. The whole of Bengaluru is standing on a bed of lakes. All big buildings have encroached the space of lakes.
It is an irony to destroy all the lakes, build buildings on them and cry over water scarcity. The lakes of this land has the capacity to fulfil the water requirements of the state. If we had to save them, they would have saved us. When we didn't encroach we have choked the lakes in the name of religious rituals such as Ganesha and Durga visarjan. We feel no guilt about this and we think polluting the lakes is our birthright. We have entered into fights with neighboring states over water. Our neighbors did not destroy our legs which was spread across thousands of acres.
We did that with our own hands. We need to pay attention to save the remaining ones at least. We need to desilt the remaining lakes and give them fresh lease of life. you need to recognize the mafia that is encroaching lakes and initiate stern action against such elements. No construction should be allowed on dried up lake beds. Their borders need to be earmarked and rejuvenation should be carried out so that they can hold water again. Only then can there be an alternate solution to Bangalore's water problems. This can also help people use the water from recharged lakes for other purposes. This would reduce the over dependency of Bangalore on Cauvery water. If we save lakes, the lakes will save us. In this regard, the state should perceive the rap by NGT in a constructive manner and act accordingly.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
