Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara has directed officials to initiate stringent measures to protect lakes and water bodies and launch a systematic campaign to remove encroachments. Chairing a review meeting on lake encroachment clearance at the deputy commissioner’s office on Monday, Kumara stressed that safeguarding lakes is a collective responsibility and called on officials to intensify efforts to preserve the district’s water resources.He instructed officials from the panchayat raj engineering division, Hemavathi Left Bank Canal (HLBC), Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) and the minor irrigation department to prepare a comprehensive list of encroached lakes in the district and initiate action for their restoration. As part of the campaign, he directed officials to clear at least 5 encroached lakes every month and submit regular progress reports.Highlighting the importance of water conservation, the DC said all lakes currently holding water should be identified and subjected to mandatory water quality testing. He urged officials to ensure proper maintenance and conservation of lakes to safeguard water resources for the future generations.Expressing concern over increasing pressure on water bodies and drainage networks, the DC emphasised that officials of the panchayat raj engineering division, HLBC and CNNL must ensure that storm-water drains (rajakaluves), canals and feeder channels remain free from encroachments. Encroachments of water bodies not only obstruct the natural flow of water but also contribute to the floods and environmental degradation, he noted.
