Mulbagal (City):
Concerned citizens of the taluk have voiced their anguish, stating that those working in the executive and legislative bodies must remember that they owe their duty to the sweat and hard work of the people. They must safeguard the taluk’s water sources—including lakes, stormwater drains (Rajakaluves), and government lands like Gomala and Gundu Topu.
Irony Defying the Notification by Late D.K. Ravi
The late model Deputy Commissioner of Kolar District, D.K. Ravi, had meticulously measured and officially notified the boundaries of the Mulbagal lake area, giving clear instructions that no activity should take place there to protect the water body. However, ironically, serious allegations have emerged that encroachment on the lake is being implicitly encouraged in the presence of the Tahsildar (who holds the moral responsibility to protect the city’s vital lakes) and the popular MLA, Sri Samruddhi Manjunath, who is trusted by the people.
The MLA had previously vowed publicly to clear the encroachments on the stormwater drains, but a year has passed without that promise being fulfilled. It is also a painful matter of discussion that certain officials within the executive are allegedly failing to cooperate, using the excuse that the MLA belongs to the backward Dalit community.
Land for Community Halls on Lake Area: Objection to Caste Politics
Amidst this political tussle, there are widespread allegations that the executive and legislature are brazenly attempting to gain political favour along caste lines by allocating space on the city’s lakes for community halls in the name of innocent community organizations. Officials are reportedly failing to take any action and are instead supporting the unauthorized construction by assisting with the unveiling ceremonies.
Supreme Court’s Clear Verdict and Public Warning
Environmental activists and the public have cited the Supreme Court’s orders, warning any individuals or organizations involved in the encroachment not to be misled.
Key Statement from the Supreme Court of India:
“Lakes, water bodies, stormwater drains, and public utility lands like government Gomala are not the property of any caste, religion, organization, or individual. It is the constitutional duty of the government and every citizen to protect them for the interest of future generations. Encroachment upon water bodies through any kind of permanent or temporary construction is illegal. All such encroachments, regardless of how old they are, must be immediately cleared, and the original character of the water body must be restored. Strict legal action will be taken against officials and individuals who violate this order.”
According to the judicial order, these encroachments will be mandatorily cleared sooner or later. Lakes and government lands are public properties meant for the future of our youth, ensuring the balance of nature, health, and well-being in society. Protecting them is the responsibility of every Indian citizen.
Local public opinion is surging against Mulbagal’s authorities and the MLA for allegedly neglecting and even encouraging encroachment on protected lake land, previously notified by late DC D.K. Ravi. Activists stress that constructing community halls on this land is a clear violation of the Supreme Court’s directives protecting public water bodies and demand immediate legal action against the perpetrators.
Demand for Legal Action and Compensation
Allegations suggest that the Tahsildar and his officers misled the innocent organizers, causing them to waste their money on buildings constructed on the lake, thereby deceiving the public. In light of this, citizens demand that there is no fault in filing a case (Mukaddame) against these officials on behalf of the communities and seeking compensation from the government for the incurred losses.
The conscientious citizens demand that both the Tahsildar and the legislative leaders, when dealing with public property, must act constitutionally and protect the assets without considering any basis of caste or religion. It is reported that there is no doubt that legal action and protests will be mounted against any official or legislative leader found to be behind these illegal activities.
Awake, Indians! The protection of public property is our collective responsibility.
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