Asst Commissioner agrees spot inspection to assess encroachment of the kaluve (Avalahalli lake canal)

Bangalore: The feeder canal for Avalahalli lake is available in the map, says survey report. A survey was conducted by revenue officials at the request of Green Circle more than a year ago. But the canal is only in the map, not in reality, says Vidyasagar Arya, a member of Green Circle. He adds, ‘The Panchayat officials arranged JCB to dig the canal as per survey number last year. We were confident that the canal (Kaluve) would be revived. It would connect Krishna Sagara lake in upstream and Avalahalli lake in downstream.’  Ramachandra of MSR NE County adds, ‘Our layout is the worst affected due to flooding during the rainy season. This year, the monsoon was very active and the layout was flooded on a few occasions.

If kaluve were rejuvenated as per the survey report, by this time, our flooding problem would have been sorted out. Avalahalli lake also would have water supply.’ Green Circle submitted a petition to the Yelahanka Tehsildar, under whose jurisdiction the canal lies. But the authorities were sitting on the file without any action. Panchayat officials expressed their inability to act. Four plot owners had given a petition to divert the canal. The canal passes through their plots. Green Circle ran from pillar to post to get the canal alive but in vain. Recently, Green Circle visited the Tehsildar. He informed them that the file has been transferred to the jurisdiction of the Asst Commissioner, Bangalore North. Green Circle team visited the office of Asst Commissioner, North Bangalore Dr Kiran, KAS and presented the case. He gave a patient listening to the team and ordered spot inspection to check the reality. ‘Soon we are expecting some action from the authorities. We will not leave any stone unturned to get the kaluve rejuvenated’ said Kumar Kalyandurg, Secretary of Green Circle. Vasantha Kumar, Biju, and Selvarajan were also present during the representation. Dr Kiran assured that the necessary steps would be taken. Once survey numbers show the canal path, there is no question of deviation. Green Circle members are pinning their hope on the survey report, and feel that it is a long-drawn-out battle.