BENGALURU: Varthur lake in Whitefield has become infamous for froth covering the water and subsequent fires due to inflow of sewage and industrial effluents. The scenario is no different at another lake in the neighbourhood.
Sadaramangala lake, located behind Prestige Shantiniketan in Whitefield, has multiple sewage lines dumping waste into it. Encroachments too are a major problem near the lake.
Premananda Mohapatra, a resident, said, “Sewage is being let into the lake and there are several buildings well within the 75m buffer zone. Will the government which has sanctioned these land pieces act against them?”
Another resident said, “In 2008, the lake had revived on its own. But after that water dried up, encroachments began. Farm lands around the lake were sold off and houses and apartments were built. Activities in north, south and east boundaries were seen in high intensity. We could see sheds coming up in the south boundary. Dumping too had increased around the east boundary.”
Robin, a resident, said, “The lake was once dry and now it has revived and there’s water. It has become a bountiful source of water for those in Whitefield. But the question is do we want it lose it to land sharks?”
Although BBMP agrees there is sewage inflow, officials deny there are encroachments around the lake. Satish, BBMP engineer (Lakes), said, “There are no encroachments as per our information. In fact we have called for a tender for rejuvenation and maintenance of the lake, and the work will start soon.”