BENGALURU: Newly appointed chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Lakshman said the rejuvenation of Bellandur Lake is his primary objective at the moment.
He added that the development of other lakes in the city will be carried out in a phased manner.
On Wednesday, Lakshman visited the Bellandur lake in the city, which in recent times has become infamous for the foam generated due to the continual discharge of pollutants.
He visited the Devarabeesanahalli side of the lake, where the authorities have constructed a barrier to prevent the foam from spilling on to the streets. After the inspection, Lakshman said that the rejuvenation of the lake will take place on a war footing.
“After I took charge yesterday, I held a meeting with different stakeholders, including the BWSSB, traffic police, BBMP and others, to discuss what can be done about the lakes in the city, specifically Bellandur. Most of the problems have corresponding court directives which specify what exactly needs to be done. The Bellandur lake covers 900 acres and the catchment area is around 287 square kilometres. We will study how much waste is discharged into the catchment area, apart from checking encroachments,” said Lakshman. Right now, desilting of the lake is being considered, he added.
“The problem is that the existing laws have not been implemented effectively, which will be done henceforth. A long-term solution to the problem here is the installation of a septic tank. Oxygen level in the lake is also quite low. Hence, a comprehensive report will be prepared so that all the problems can be understood and suitable action is taken. We will also give the BWSSB a sum of `100 crore so that discharge points can be identified and the sewage is treated. The Chief Minister is likely to announce this soon,” added Lakshman.
Ramp to Prevent Foam
The chief engineer of BWSSB (waste water treatment) Ramakrishna, who was present, told reporters that a ramp will be constructed at the lake so that foam is not generated. Currently, water from the lake spills into the Devarabeesanahalli side in the form of a water-fall, due to which, foam is generated,” said Ramakrishna.
“A gentle incline in the form of a ramp will be built before June next year so that the water flows instead of falling. This will prevent the generation of foam, which has been the complaint. The role of the BWSSB is limited to ensuring that the sewage is treated. A sewage treatment plant (STP) is being constructed at the Challaghatta valley which will be completed by the end of 2016. Once the construction is completed, the STP will go a long way in ensuring that the Bellandur lake is clear of pollutants,” he said.
Residents Cry Foul
Residents living in the vicinity of the lake were visibly harried as they poured out their woes to Lakshman. Muninanja Reddy, who has a shop nearby, told Express that all the officials make are empty promises. “They come once, behave that they are concerned and then leave. Nothing happens after that, while we live in the stink. I hope the new chairman takes it upon himself to improve the lake, helping us in the process,” he added.