Mysuru: Alleging large-scale encroachment of a lake at KC Layout at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, Krishnaraja MLA TS Srivatsa on Thursday accused the officials of remaining silent. Visiting the KC Layout along with BJP workers and residents, he addressed a press conference at the site and demanded immediate removal of the encroachment. According to him, a compound wall was erected on 22 guntas of the lake, which is close to a rajakaluve (stormwater drain).Residents’ associations brought the issue to his notice. Srivatsa said he raised the matter during the assembly session and questioned revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who, in his reply, acknowledged that the land in question was indeed classified as a lake. “However, instead of taking steps to clear the encroachment, a vague response was given,” he charged.He pointed out that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority’s comprehensive development plan (CDP), prepared in 2016, clearly mentions the area as a lake. Even a 1931 map records it as lake land. He asked CM Siddaramaiah and Mysuru district minister HC Mahadevappa to take steps to preserve the lake.
