Earth mover refuses to move at Bellandur Lake

The cleanup of Bellandur Lake faced another setback on Wednesday as an earth mover on the spot broke down even before work began.
The earth mover that broke down even before the de-weeding work started at Bellandur Lake on Wednesday;  Below: IISc team collect samples from the lake | pushkar v
The earth mover that broke down even before the de-weeding work started at Bellandur Lake on Wednesday; Below: IISc team collect samples from the lake | pushkar v

BENGALURU: The cleanup of Bellandur Lake faced another setback on Wednesday as an earth mover on the spot broke down even before work began. Two others were carrying out de-weeding. When Express visited the spot on Tuesday, it was found that the earth mover had run out of fuel.

The earth mover reached the lake at 2am on Wednesday as per the instructions of BDA officials. As soon as it reached the lake, it leaked oil and broke down due to a problem with its motor, according to Arun, the driver. He said that it would be repaired by Thursday morning. Two other earth movers are paving way for a floating dredging machine which will clear the weed.

IISc scientist Prof T V Ramachandra was also at the site to check on the work and to collect samples from the lake in order to design the wetland developments for Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority. Satish, an assistant executive engineer from BDA, said Prof Ramachandra had identified the areas which would undergo de-weeding first.

Sonali Singh, a resident of Bellandur, said that some officials were seen around the lake but apart from that there was no other activity.

One of the most polluting industries identified by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, which is close to the lake. The firm representatives said, “We are following all KSPCB’s normpertaining to discharge of effluents.”

KSPCB Chief Laxman said a total of 30 industries have been shut. The board has issued closure directions under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, to six of the 97 industries in the Bellandur Lake catchment area and another 24 industries identified through inspections. These have been found discharging effluents without treatment and operating without valid consent of KSPCB.

Express had reported on Monday that BBMP would arrange for Home Guards and patrolling vehicles at the lake by Monday. However, the residents say that there has been no such activity.

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