Protect and Develop Lakes, Says Hassan Deputy Commissioner Lathakumari

HASSAN

Deputy Commissioner KS Lathakumari has directed officials to take urgent steps to identify, clear, conserve, and develop lakes across the district, emphasizing that lakes play a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels and must be safeguarded from encroachment.

Chairing the District Lake Encroachment Clearance Committee meeting, Lathakumari expressed concern over garbage being dumped along the banks of Hunasina Lake in Hassan city. “A protective fence must be constructed, and development of the lake should begin immediately,” she instructed the Major Irrigation Department.

She further pointed out that sewage from nearby houses was entering the lake. “This must be stopped at once,” she said, stressing that untreated waste flowing into lakes posed a serious environmental and public health risk.

The Deputy Lokayukta instructed that a detailed report on the progress made on lake protection measures—following his visit to the district—be sent immediately to the Lokayukta office. He also suggested conducting taluk-level meetings to identify and document encroachments, classify those cleared or pending, and report the challenges faced in clearing them.

Officials were asked to provide details on the water levels of all lakes—fully filled, half-filled, less than half-filled, or completely dry—and submit updated status reports.

He further directed water samples from lakes to be tested for contamination. “If contamination is suspected, the Environment Department must be informed, and the water quality checked,” he said.

Senior Civil Judge GK Dakshayini, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Krishnamurthy, Minor Irrigation Executive Engineer Ramachandra, Project Director Nagaraj, and other officials were present.

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“The silt must be cleared from lakes, canals cleaned, and regular monitoring ensured,” said KS Lathakumari, Deputy Commissioner.