Bengaluru Autorickshaw News: ‘What’s next, a mermaid?’: Autorickshaw pops out of Bengaluru lake during weeding; once used for kayaking now home to garbage, mosquitoes | Bengaluru News

BENGALURU: In a bizarre reminder of Bengaluru’s worsening lake conditions, an autorickshaw was discovered submerged in Yelle Mallappa Shetty (YMS) lake near KR Pura during a weeding operation Wednesday. The sighting came just three months after a refrigerator was retrieved from Madiwala lake under similar circumstances.The 500-acre YMS lake, once a hub for kayaking and canoeing, a bird sanctuary, and a source of safe drinking water, has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Officials of the minor irrigation department, which is carrying out the weeding work, say 10 acres of the lake have been encroached upon. They also allege a lack of support from civic bodies such as BBMP and BWSSB, making the waterbody’s restoration an uphill task.Balaji Ragothaman, a kere mitra (lake guardian) and environmentalist, was conducting routine inspections when he noticed something unusual sticking out of the weeds. “I couldn’t believe it — an autorickshaw was lodged in the lakebed,” said Balaji. “First it was debris, then garbage, then human waste, and even dead cattle. Now this. What’s next, a mermaid?”He added, “This lake was once a source of drinking water and a sanctuary for birds. Now it’s just a dumping ground. There used to be Ganga puja here. That too has stopped. The current govt doesn’t seem to care — they have no respect for this ecosystem.”Once a popular training venue for athletes, the lake was the base for the Kayaking and Canoeing Association of Karnataka (KCAK) from 2016 to 2023. However, because of the lake’s poor condition, the association relocated to Benniganahalli lake, about 8km away. KCAK secretary Captain Dileep Kumar said, “We’ve reached out to several govt agencies, but no one takes us seriously. Despite our national-level achievements, we are ignored. Only the minor irrigation department has extended support, but BBMP and BWSSB have done nothing.”Kumar also highlighted the rapid deterioration in recent years. “The hyacinth growth is out of control. Even the access road for our kayaks is slushy and unusable.” Residents living around the lake echoed the frustration. Subhajit Ghosh, a resident, said, “We can’t open our windows anymore because of mosquitoes. Garbage is dumped here daily. Only 40% of the lake is fenced. The rest is open and vulnerable.”Meenakshi Rao, another resident, said, “My kids used to play near the lake. Now I don’t even allow them to walk by it. The stench is unbearable and the water looks toxic.”Sridhar R, who lives just 100 metres away, said, “We’ve been pleading with the authorities for years. If BBMP and BWSSB just work with the minor irrigation department, this lake could be revived. As it stands, it’s a public health hazard.”Following the discovery of the auto, senior officials of the minor irrigation department, BBMP, and BWSSB visited the lake for a joint inspection and review meeting. “We’re currently weeding just the right side of the lake at Rs 25 lakh. Tenders for the remaining portion will be floated soon,” a senior minor irrigation department official said. “The full restoration, including weeding and fencing, will cost around Rs 5 crore, and it could take up to two years. Once completed, YMS lake will return to its former glory as a bird sanctuary and recreational space.”Who was Yele Mallappa Shetty?A betel leaf merchant from Bengaluru, Yele Mallappa Shetty (1815-1887) was one of those who contributed to the city’s success through philanthropy. During the 1876-78 famine when Bengalureans were grappling with a severe drought, Shetty donated a significant portion of his wealth towards constructing a lake that would meet the water requirements of the people. The lake, located close to Whitefield and KR Pura, is named after the philanthropist.