Bengaluru (Karnataka): The Meenukunte gram panchayat in Bengaluru North taluk has come under legal scrutiny after officials from the Department of Minor Irrigation and Ground Water Development lodged a complaint accusing the local body of illegally dumping garbage in the premises of the Doddajala lake, a key water body in the region.

The complaint, filed by Assistant Engineer Shivashankar Gopal Mirji of the Hebbal–Nagavara sub-division, alleges that the panchayat’s actions have turned a portion of the lake area into an unauthorised dumping ground, posing a severe environmental hazard.

Complaint and inspection

According to Mirji’s statement, his team inspected the site on October 13 following multiple public complaints about indiscriminate dumping near the lake. During the inspection, officials reportedly found heaps of mixed waste, including construction debris, plastic and household garbage, strewn around 50 metres from the lake’s waterline.

Mirji said the waste accumulation was particularly concerning due to the ongoing monsoon, as rainwater could wash contaminants into the lake, leading to pollution, foul odour, and potential health risks for residents who depend on the water for daily use.

He stated, “The dumping activity poses a direct threat to aquatic life and to those using the lake water. It is also an encroachment on department property, which must be protected under environmental and water conservation laws.”

Following the complaint, police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 279 (fouling water of public spring or reservoir) and 329 (criminal trespass and house-trespass) against the Meenukunte gram panchayat officials.

Police action and next steps

A senior police officer from the jurisdiction confirmed that notices will be served to the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and other responsible officials. Their statements will be recorded before a detailed report is submitted to the court.

The officer added that further investigation will determine whether the waste dumping was conducted under panchayat orders or by third parties, and whether environmental regulations were violated.

“We will assess evidence including inspection photographs, local testimonies and satellite imagery to establish accountability,” the officer said.

Panchayat denies allegations

However, PDO Vinay R of Meenukunte panchayat denied the charges, asserting that the panchayat was not responsible for the dumped waste.

He claimed that outsiders, including private builders and contractors, had been disposing of construction debris and garbage near the lake without authorisation. “We have previously cleaned the lake area. The waste is mostly from private construction and highway works. We have even stopped vehicles and warned those responsible,” he said.

Vinay added that the panchayat had recently been allotted land in Kolipura village near Doddaballapura for proper waste management and disposal. He assured that the dumped waste near Doddajala lake would soon be cleared and that a compliance report would be submitted to the court.

“We will submit our reply in court and ensure the lake is cleaned again. The panchayat has no intention of violating any environmental norms,” he said.

Environmental implications

The Doddajala lake, located on the northern outskirts of Bengaluru, is an important catchment area that helps recharge groundwater and supports local agriculture. Environmentalists have frequently warned that unregulated waste disposal and urban encroachments threaten the lake’s ecological balance.

Experts note that the incident highlights the larger issue of waste management failures across Bengaluru’s peripheral panchayats, many of which lack adequate infrastructure and designated dumping sites.

Environmental activist Dr. Sahana Krishnamurthy remarked, “Illegal dumping in sensitive lake areas continues because of poor enforcement and lack of awareness. The authorities must take firm action and adopt sustainable waste management systems to protect such water bodies.”

Broader waste management concerns

Bengaluru’s rural and suburban regions have been grappling with garbage disposal challenges as rapid urbanisation increases waste generation. Despite several government initiatives, coordination between panchayats, municipal bodies and environmental departments remains weak.

Experts have called for the establishment of zonal waste processing plants, strict monitoring of transportation routes, and higher penalties for offenders to prevent further degradation of lake ecosystems.

A call for accountability and restoration

With the case now under investigation, both the minor irrigation department and local police are expected to push for cleanup and preventive measures to ensure no further dumping occurs.

Residents of the area have welcomed the legal action, expressing hope that the lake — a key water source for the region — will be restored to its natural state.

The case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated environmental governance, particularly in fast-expanding urban fringes like north Bengaluru, where unchecked waste disposal threatens both public health and biodiversity.