Video: No windows, toilets for lake protectors

Marshals protecting Varthur lake are living in poor conditions, thanks to the BBMP. Mosquitoes, rain water and the stench from the lake are an additional problem for these 20 men

In 2017, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had recruited ex-servicemen, to keep a watch on people dumping garbage in public spots. Some of these marshals, about 20 of them, who have been assigned to keep a watch against dumping of debris and encroachment of the Varthur Lake land, are living in inhumane conditions, in quarters provided by the BBMP.

Consider this: 20 men are living in two 10 X 15 ft rooms, a part of which is meant to be a toilet, which has not been installed yet. They have no piped water supply, neither for washing nor drinking. The first floor room has large holes for windows but no glass has been fixed. They’re buying water for drinking, bathing and washing. The marshals living on the first floor are boarding their windows with cardboard to keep the mosquitoes away. When there are no rains, the stench from the lake is unbearable. They have been given a temporary power connection.


For six months the marshals have been living like this, too scared to complain for fear that they will lose their jobs.


“We don’t feel safe to use the makeshift toilet since there is no light inside. It is set in the middle of weeds. It does not have water too,” said said one of the marshals.

Most of the marshals are from faraway cities such as Hassan, Shivamogga, Kolar and Bagalkot. They cook their food and spend time out of the house when not on duty, because the room is too small for all of them.


“We’re spending Rs 400 to buy water every week from a private supplier. We have complained to the BBMP authorities but nothing has been done yet,’’ said a marshal.

Work goes on
Since November, the marshals have caught around 30 people for dumping debris on the lake bund and reported them to the BBMP’s assistant engineers. They have also informed fire and emergency personnel whenever stray cattle and people have been stuck in sludge near the lake. On Thursday, the marshals assisted the Fire and Emergency Services personnel in rescuing a 37-year-old man from a pool of sludge on the lake bed. The marshals identified the man as Sreenivas, a resident of Belagere, who went into the lake to retrieve his cattle. The marshals had to wait for 30 minutes for the Fire and Emergency Services personnel to arrive from Mahadevapura.


“We have been asking the authorities to provide us with rescue and safety equipment. If we have a 200-metre rope, we need not wait for the Fire and Emergency Services to arrive. We can rescue people ourselves, said a marshal.

Delayed salaries
The marshals are supposed to get their salaries on the 5th of every month but their September salaries have not been credited yet.


Meanwhile, BBMP Chief Marshal Officer Rajbir Singh said that he was not aware of the lack of basic amenities for the marshals at Varthur Lake. “I will visit the spot soon and discuss with the higher authorities about their plight,” he said. Mohan Krishna, BBMP Chief Engineer (Lakes) has assured that he will look into the matter.



However, Dhanapathy M, the contractor, said that the work is incomplete since he has not received funds from the BBMP. “I spent money for the construction of the structure. I could not provide sanitary connection due to heavy rains. I need to dig a pit for the toilet,’’ said Dhanapathy. BBMP Mahadevapura Zone Chief Engineer (Lakes) was not available for comment.