Residents of Bengaluru staged a protest at Sankey Tank on Monday, voicing strong concerns over ecological degradation, excessive concretisation, sewage inflow, and rapidly declining water levels in the historic water body. The demonstration was organized by local advocacy groups including Voice of Sadashivanagar, Kadumalleshwara Geleyara Balaga, and the National Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Force.
Key Issues Raised by Protesters
The protesters highlighted several critical issues affecting Sankey Tank, which has long been a vital ecological and recreational space for the city. Among the primary grievances were the unchecked concretisation of the tank's surroundings, which has disrupted natural water absorption and harmed local biodiversity. Additionally, the inflow of untreated sewage into the tank has led to severe water pollution, posing health risks to nearby residents and aquatic life.
Declining Water Levels
Another major concern was the significant drop in water levels, which has worsened over recent years due to reduced rainfall, encroachment, and poor maintenance. Residents demanded immediate intervention from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to restore the tank's health.
Demands of the Protest
The groups submitted a memorandum to local authorities, calling for:
- Immediate cessation of all construction activities around the tank.
- Strict enforcement of sewage treatment norms to prevent untreated waste from entering the water body.
- Desilting and deepening of the tank to improve water storage capacity.
- Regular monitoring of water quality and ecological restoration measures.
Protesters also urged the government to declare Sankey Tank a protected wetland and involve citizen groups in its maintenance.
Community Response
Local residents expressed frustration over the slow response from authorities. "Sankey Tank is not just a water body; it is a lifeline for our locality. The government must act now before it is too late," said a protester.
The protest concluded with a pledge to continue agitation until concrete steps are taken to preserve the tank's ecological balance.
