The Karnataka Lokayukta, led by Justice B.S. Patil, has strongly criticized the administration of Ramanagara district for failing to make significant progress in removing illegal encroachments on local water bodies. Five tahsildars representing Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Channapatna, Magadi, and Harohalli taluks appeared before the Lokayukta following directions issued regarding prolonged administrative delays.
Official reports examined during the hearing revealed a concerning backlog across the district. In Channapatna taluk, 207 out of 413 lakes remain encroached upon, while Harohalli reported pending action on 102 out of 115 encroached water bodies. Similarly, Kanakapura has 138 uncleared lakes out of 180 affected ones, and Ramanagara taluk has cleared encroachments on only 35 of its 190 affected lakes. Only Magadi taluk showed relatively better compliance, with action pending for 25 out of 220 lakes.
Justice Patil noted that many of these lake encroachment complaints had been registered as early as 2018, yet Revenue Department officials failed to demonstrate adequate recovery efforts. Warning that inaction threatens regional flood management, groundwater recharge, and long-term water security, the Lokayukta instructed the District Collector and revenue officials to accelerate survey and clearance procedures. The tahsildars requested additional time and promised to submit comprehensive compliance reports shortly.
