BENGALURU: THE state government on Wednesday accepted the solutions suggested by an 18-member expert committee to restore the Bellandur and Varthur lakes, contaminated by untreated sewage. Installation of aerators and removal of weeds are among the solutions recommended.
Speaking to Express after a high-level meeting held at the BMRDA office, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George said, “We have accepted the recommendations of the committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary. We plan to work on the issues under first, second and third phases. The short-term suggestions would be implemented immediately.”
In connection with this, two committees will be formed. “One of these will be held under the leadership of the Bangalore Development Authority with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Lake Development Authority and other expert committee members on board. The second committee will be a local-level one with communities living around the Bellandur Lake being a part of it.”
Priority will be given to Bellandur Lake. Varthur Lake works will be taken up later, the minister added.
Bellandur Lake shot to national prominence when froth emanated from it due to high pollution levels and caught fire on May 18, 2015.The spillage continued a few more times during the month creating a white atmosphere around and evoking shock on the pollution levels.
BDA Member-Secretary P N Nayak said that the short-term solutions that would be implemented are — putting in place aerators, removal of weeds and ramps around the lake. Asked about the timeframe for putting in place a committee, Nayak said, “It will be done immediately.”
Sridhar Pabbishetty, CEO of a city-based foundation and one of the members of the 18-member expert committee said, “We have also suggested tilting the angle of the ramps leading to the lake.”