In a decisive move to safeguard vital water bodies, Mangaluru's top administrator has issued strict orders for round-the-clock surveillance of lakes across the district. The directive aims to curb illegal land grabs and preserve these crucial natural resources.
High-Level Meeting Yields Strict Directives
Presiding over the district-level Lake Development Committee meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner HV Darshan laid down the law. He emphasized that the district is home to a diverse array of lakes situated in both urban and rural areas. These water bodies fall under the management of multiple authorities, including gram panchayats, urban local bodies, and the minor irrigation department.
The DC instructed all concerned departments to initiate continuous patrolling and conduct periodic inspections of every lake under their jurisdiction. The order leaves no room for ambiguity, making it clear that protecting lake land is now a top priority.
Legal Action Against Officials for Negligence
Adding teeth to the directive, Additional Deputy Commissioner K Raju issued a stern warning. He stated that regular patrolling must be ensured to prevent any new encroachments on lake land. In a significant development, he warned that if any encroachment is found, cases will be registered even against the officials of the responsible departments for failing in their duty.
Raju further directed officials to take immediate steps to clear any lake land that has already been illegally occupied. This two-pronged approach focuses on both prevention of future grabs and remediation of existing violations.
A Multi-Departmental Effort for Conservation
The meeting saw participation from officials of various departments, highlighting the collaborative effort required for this task. The DC's instructions underscore the need for a coordinated strategy to manage and protect these lakes, which are essential for ecological balance, groundwater recharge, and community livelihood.
The new protocol mandates:
- Uninterrupted patrolling of all lake perimeters.
- Systematic inspection of the full extent of each water body.
- Swift legal and administrative action against encroachers and negligent officials.
- Expedited removal of existing encroachments.
This proactive stance by the Mangaluru district administration marks a crucial step in the ongoing battle to conserve Karnataka's precious lake ecosystems from the persistent threat of urban and rural encroachment.
