The Karnataka Lokayukta initiated a suo motu case against administrative officials including Tahsildars, Assistant Directors and other executive officers of Doddaballapur taluk for not maintaining lakes within their jurisdiction and for allowing discharge of industrial effluents.
The order specifically mentioned Doddatumakuru Lake and Chikkatumakuru Lake of 326 acres and 75 acres respectively, both water bodies being excessively polluted. The ordinance stated that the sewage treatment plants built in 2017 at the two lakes were not functioning in a scientific manner.
Treated and untreated sewage from Doddaballapur was found to mix with industrial waste generated by 52 industries in Bashettihalli and eventually flow into these lakes.
The Arkavathi River, which originates from the Nandi Hills, flows to Doddaballapur in an uncontaminated state. However, industrial effluents and sewage from Doddaballapur city enter the river and pollute the water body. The contaminated water then flows into two lakes and subsequently reaches Hesaraghatta and Tippagondanahalli before finally flowing into Bengaluru.
The order issued by B. Veerappa, Upalokayukta-2, stated that the officials had not taken remedial measures to stop the flow of sewage.
Published – 20 Jan 2026 23:41 IST
