Lokayukta pulls up five Bengaluru South tahsildars over delay in clearing lake encroachments

The Lokayukta examined reports submitted by the tahsildars and expressed serious concern over the slow progress in removing encroachments. | Image for representation | Photo Credit: File photo Five tahsildars from Bengaluru South district appeared before the Lokayukta following complaints over the alleged failure to clear encroachments on lakes and take steps to protect and restore water bodies.During the hearing, the Lokayukta examined reports submitted by the tahsildars and expressed serious concern over the slow progress in removing encroachments. All taluks in the district, barring Magadi, had over 100 lakes with encroachments yet to be cleared. In Magadi, surveys of all 220 lakes had been completed and only 25 lakes remained to be cleared of encroachments.The Lokayukta observed that the pace of action was extremely slow and said the matter needed to be treated seriously, particularly if officials responsible for the delay were found to have neglected their duties, as most of these cases were registered as far back as 2018.The order stressed that protecting lakes by ensuring removal of encroachments and undertaking lake restoration is a basic and essential duty of the officials concerned. Any failure in this regard would be viewed seriously.The tahsildars sought some additional time, promising the Lokayukta that they would make sincere efforts to show substantial progress and submit compliance reports. While the Lokayukta granted them some time, it also directed the Deputy Commissioner to take active steps in the matter. Published - August 31, 2026 07:47 pm IST