BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has directed BBMP to clean up the lakes where thousands of Ganesha idols have been immersed in the last few days.
The board is testing water samples from 11 lakes to study the presence of harmful chemicals as over 2,25,000 idols were immersed during the first three days after Ganesha Chaturthi. A senior KSPCB officer told Express that water samples from Ulsoor lake, Sankey Tank, Hebbal lake, and Yediyur have been given importance as more idols were immersed there.
“Chemical content that are toxic will be analysed. The palike cannot escape from its responsibilities and has to follow our guidelines on keeping the lakes clean,” said the official.
Water samples from Mallathahalli lake, Lalbagh lake, Karihobanahalli lake, Shivapura lake and Madhavara lake will also be collected, and by Friday a report on the chemical and metal composition will be out.
The official said that in order to reduce the pressure on lakes, the board had deployed mobile immersion tankers. He said, “In Bangalore West 1,535 idols were immersed in mobile tankers and in Bangalore East it was 912. In Bangalore South it was 860 and in Yelahanka it was 367.”
A BBMP official said the Palike had taken necessary precautions to protect its lakes. “In Ulsoor, over 40,000 idols may have been immersed till Tuesday. The palike has eight swimmers and had also roped in a few more on contract. The idols are collected by these people and immersed. It is safe and helps protect the lakes,” said PM John, Executive Engineer, Shivajinagar Sub-Divison, BBMP.
Yediyur Lake Closed
With over 75,000 Ganesha idols immersed in the first three days, the authorities have stopped immersions at Yediyur lake.
The lake was closed on Monday and will remain closed on Tuesday for pumping out water to remove the idols.