Singapura residents oppose renaming of historical lake, want old name back

BENGALURU: Residents of Singapura in Benagluru have strongly opposed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s move to rename the Singapura lake, which has a history of 500 years, as Bhagwan Buddha, Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambendkar lake park.

Singapura has been habitated right from the 16th century. On November 6, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inauguarated the lake after restoration work.

Singapura Lake renamed as Bhagawan Buddha, Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambendkar lake park

Mohan, a resident of Singapura, said “The BBMP has no right to change the name of the lake. Lakes are usually named after villages. They are spoiling the historical lake by changing its name. The BBMP should withdraw the order and restore theearlier name.”

“We have provided many documents to the Palike, but the civic body did not consider them and the officials went ahead with the renaming of the lake. I have complained to Special Commissioner (Revenue). There is no order copy of the Karnataka government on renaming the lake”, he claimed.

Mohan further said that BBMP officials are distorting history and insulting great personalities. “According to revenue records, there is no provision to call a lake as a park”, Mohan added.

Mohan, a resident of Singapura

Srinivas, another resident of Singapura, said, “We were fighting against BBMP from the last year. This is the first time in the history anyone has called a lake as a park. Now, the BBMP changed the name of the lake which has a history going back to centuries. This is just politicals. We are not opposing keeping Ambedkar’s name, but the name ‘Singapura lake’ should be continue as before. Otherwise, we will take up the issue legally”, he warned.

Srinivas, a resident of Singapura.

Several other residents too are raising questions over the BBMP’s decision to change the name of the lake.