Most lakes in the Bangalore region were constructed in the sixteenth century by damming the natural valley systems by constructing bunds.  The effect of urbanization has taken some heavy toll on these lakes. The number and quality of lakes in the heart of the city has gone down to 17 as against 51 healthy lakes in 1985.  There are issues with the management of these lakes because multiple government organizations and agencies claim their own jurisdiction of ownership and maintenance rights.