The government is closing three-fourths of a 350-year-old temple tank to favour a private land developer in Vasanthapura.

Once a tranquil, picturesque suburb, Vasanthapura, off Kanakapura Road, is now a bustling neighbourhood in the southern part of the city.

Historians say the tank was built in the 17th century by Shivaji’s father Shahaji Raje Bhonsle, who had camped there. The temple dates back to the days of Chola rule (4th to 12th century), and was built in a clearing in the midst of a lush forest, where legend has it sages used to meditate.

The developer in question, N Balakrishna Naidu, is going all out to get a broad approach road to his land, and the bureaucracy is on his side. A good road adds immensely to the real estate value of his land, and makes it more saleable.