In 2021, Mr. Aksheev Thakur, a journalist working with the Indian Express, published an article on the sorry state of Chandapura Lake. The NGT took suo moto cognisance and a case (OA 324/2021) was filed against the Government of Karnataka and a dozen agencies related to ensuring the welfare of lakes in the area. In 2023, the order from the NGT instructed a deposit of ₹500 Crore in a ring-fenced account and usage of the funds to create adequate wastewater systems to ensure no untreated water flows into the lakes of Anekal. Industries responsible for pollution were directed to pay additional penalties, and many were ordered to be shut down. (Download the final order of the NGT)

Three years down the line, the Govt is yet to start any of the work it had assured the Tribunal would be completed in 2 years. Even the ₹500 Crore has not been deposited. The condition of all the lakes since 2023 has become worse.

Vrikshamitra Foundation, with Mr. Praveen Pathak, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed a petition in the NGT against several local governments and agencies responsible for the upkeep of lakes for the inflow of untreated wastewater, both residential and industrial, into Hennagara Lake. The case is being heard in the NGT. (OA 96/2025). But as usual, we see no respect for the NGT from the respondents, who are yet to respond to the notices sent by the Tribunal, even after 3 hearings.

In addition, several other parties have filed petitions in the NGT and the Karnataka HC to address the problems of all the lakes of Anekal being severely polluted, which is slowly making the groundwater of the area extremely toxic and is not suitable for human consumption. Even farmers of the area are unable to grow crops due to the extremely polluted water in the lakes.