Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes commonly found in Enterobacteriaceae for resistance to extended spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins, aztreonam etc. ESBL genes are mostly plasmid encoded. Mutations in structural genes resulted in different classification like TEM, SHV, and CTX respectively. The distribution of these genes among microbes defines the severity of resistance. In this study we detected the presence of TEM, SHV, CTX, CTXM1, CTXM9 genes through PCR among the lake water bacterial isolates. This investigation thus reveals the relative prevalence of ESBLs genes harbouring micro-biota in an innocuous lake environment and thus is a great concern for public health. © Research India Publications.