2 weeks Ago By Vindhya Pabolu
Bengaluru: The civic authorities' plan to install CCTV cameras at lakes across the city remains a non-starter even after five years. However, if everything goes to BBMP's plans, five lakes are likely to get cameras soon. The Rs 5-crore project, part of a 2021 grant, got approval in Dec 2022 but has faced delays for multiple reasons, including a lack of bidders.
Activists warn that encroachment, dumping of garbage, and theft still pose a major challenge to the survival of lakes and there is an urgent need for surveillance. However, experts also argue that the mere installation of CCTV cameras won't help without regular monitoring. As per the BBMP website, the city has 210 lakes — 167 under BBMP's jurisdiction, 33 with BDA, five with the forest department, four with the lake development authority, and one with BMRCL.
A senior official from BBMP's lake department admitted, "For one year, there were no bidders. Then, after another year, the job code — a crucial identification for the work — expired, as it was valid only for two years. Now we have applied again and got approval from the authorities.
" After a detailed project survey, BBMP, accounting for demand and other factors, has selected 11 lakes where CCTV cameras will be fixed. "At present, we'll be installing cameras at five lakes — Jakkur, Yelahanka, Dasarahalli, Kempambudhi, and Vibhutipura — and work will start soon," the official said. Lake activists, who have long demanded better security for Bengaluru's lakes, are frustrated.
Balaji Ragotham Bali, a lake conservation volunteer from Mahadevapura zone, said, "After all the encroachments we have seen for years, CCTV surveillance was a good initiative that BBMP decided to take, but it proved us wrong again. I requested CCTV installation multiple times for a few lakes in Mahadevapura zone, especially for safety during walking hours, but my queries were always met with empty responses." According to Bali, CCTV surveillance is also about preventing illegal activities such as encroachment, garbage dumping, and sewage inflow.
"Every time we ask for improvements, BBMP cites a lack of funds. Even fencing isn't prioritised properly; if this continues, people will lose trust completely in civic officials," he added. Anupama VL, treasurer, Benniganahalli Kere Trust, said: "BMRCL installed lights around Benniganahalli lake last year, but they were all stolen.
Recently, a chain-snatching incident occurred at the spot. CCTV cameras could prevent such crimes as many people, especially elderly citizens, often visit lakes to enjoy peace and take a walk. But BBMP has been reactive instead of being proactive, and has chosen to do nothing.
" Santhosh Devanga, conservationist working on Horamavu lake, said: "It's a good idea that BBMP has taken a step to save lakes from sewage dumping, but execution matters. Firstly, the cameras aren't placed as promised, and besides that, we weren't told how BBMP is planning to monitor the lakes. BBMP must ensure that marshals or home guards oversee the CCTV footage daily.
".
