9 Acres of Chikkalasandra Lake Encroached for 40 Years, Minister Tells Council

Around nine acres of the 12-acre Chikkalasandra Lake in Bengaluru South has been under encroachment for nearly four decades, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda informed the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Responding to a question raised by MLC Arathi Krishna, the minister stated that official records show the total area of the lake measures 12 acres and 26 guntas. According to government records, approximately nine acres of the lake land had been encroached upon nearly 40 years ago, occurring even before the land was handed over to the municipal corporation.

The Revenue Department had previously carried out an encroachment clearance drive at Chikkalasandra Lake and its adjoining stormwater drain. Following that drive, authorities installed fencing around the area to prevent further unauthorized occupations.

However, the government noted that the water body has since lost its original character over the years. Following the initial clearance, no subsequent maintenance or development works were taken up at the lake.

To resolve the boundary issues and reclaim the encroached space, the state government has now sought the intervention of the Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner has been requested to conduct a detailed survey and physically demarcate the exact boundaries of the lake.

Once the physical boundaries are clearly identified, the authorities will clear the encroachments in coordination with the Revenue Department, strictly adhering to directions issued by the High Court and relevant government orders.