Bengaluru's Varthur lake spewing toxic foam yet again

Residents fume at civic agencies for taking temporary measures to prevent foam, demand a permanent solution

An earthmover was pressed into action at Varthur Lake to clear debris and make way for the lake water amidst the toxic foam caused due to pollution in Bengaluru on Monday | Pushkar V

BENGALURU: The heavy showers that lashed the City last week brought back the toxic ‘snowfall’. The rains resulted in Varthur lake foaming again since Saturday and spilling it on to the streets, affecting the residents living in nearby areas as also the motorists.  

On Monday morning, office goers had a tough time crossing the area as the foam was spilling on to the Whitefield Main Road. Civic agencies had to then press an excavator into service to clear the pathway and help the froth subside.

A two-wheeler rider drives past floating foam near
Varthur Kodi cross on Monday | Pushkar V

Residents of the area are unhappy as yet again temporary measures are being taken to deal with this recurring problem. With monsoon round the corner, they fear the froth will be back to haunt them. 
Jagdesh Reddy, who lives near Varthur lake, said, “On Monday, the toxic froth was lying all around the road. It was later cleared with the help of an earth mover and water tankers. But the solution will be effective only till it rains next.”

“The situation in Varthur has deteriorated because some portion of Bellandur lake has been diverted towards Varthur due to the ongoing works.

Unless some concrete plan is put in place, we will have to bear the brunt,” he added.

Pravir B, a resident of Whitefield, pointed out, “I took the bus to office on Monday between 8.30 and 9 am and I could see froth all around the streets. Commuters had a tough time negotiating it. How long will the civic agencies initiate only temporary measures?”

Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the custodian of the lake, has been claiming that they plan to implement the expert committee recommendations and restore the lake to its former glory. But the situation on the ground belies these claims.

When contacted, BDA chief engineer P N Nayak said, “The foaming has increased due to heavy rains in the last few days. We have deployed a JCB to clear the pathway and ensure flow of the lake water. However, these are all temporary measures.

Until and unless sewage flow into the lake is stopped by the BWSSB (Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board), we cannot take up any work in the lake.”
On preparedness for the monsoon season, he said, “All the officials have been directed to be alert and clear the pathways whenever frothing increases.”