Ulsoor Lake besieged by illegal fishermen

Although the HC had directed civic authorities to re-notify tenders for fishing at the lake two years ago, the BBMP hasn't done anything about it yet. The inaction has resulted in an estimated loss of R59 lakh to the state exchequer, as unauthorised anglers net over 55 kg of fish from the lake everyday

Ulsoor Lake besieged by illegal fishermen

While environmentalists have been debating about the deteriorating conditions of lakes in the city, another controversy has arisen involving the Ulsoor Lake. Two years after the High Court directed the BBMP authorities to re-notify tenders for fishing at the lake, the civic body has not taken any action yet.

Representation pic

The delay has irked not only the co-operative societies, which were hoping to get the tender, but has also resulted in rampant illegal fishing. Over 55 kg of fish reach the various fish markets in and around Ulsoor each day resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 59 lakh to the state exchequer.

Bangalore Fish Produce, processing and marketing society, had petitioned the tender granted to Dr Ambedkar Labour Co-operative Society Limited for two years by the BBMP in 2008. Hearing on the petition, the HC quashed the tender and asked the BBMP to re-notify the tenders and re-grant it lawfully.

"Illegal fishing activities have been on since then and we are trying our best to curb it. Our wing has closed the tender as of now and we need co-operation from the Lake Department to take the proceedings ahead," said Chandrasekhar, horticulture wing official, BBMP.

Totally illegal
Over 60 local fishermen gather at the Ulsoor Lake each day, and although there are several BBMP signboards prohibiting fishing, no heed is paid.

"We have tried our best to stop fishing activities, but we cannot man the lake round the clock," argued an Ulsoor Lake official. With the BBMP not acting on the process of issuing tenders, the department as a whole has suffered.

H S Veerappa, director of the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation said, "Only a local co-operative society dealing in fisheries is allowed to contest for the tender. What has been going on is completely illegal and the BBMP authorities from the area should act on it."

Paying to fish
Meanwhile, local fishermen argue that fishing at the lake is their only means to make a living. Some claim that they buy their right to fish at the lake by paying a small amount to the officials.

"The tender debate has been going on for years now. Everytime the officials try to drive us out, we just slip them some money and they allow us to fish for a few hours and then leave," said Marigowda, a local fisherman.
The lapse on the part of the BBMP to grant tenders according to the HC directive amounts to contempt of court. HC advocate Shankrappa explained, "This amounts to contempt of court as the BBMP has violated direct orders. The co-operative society that has been conducting illegal fishing at the lake can be charged under Section 374 of the IPC for trespass."

The state continues to suffer huge losses even as the various departments continue to pass the blame baton around.