Rs 100 crore to fix foaming Bellandur Lake: KSPCB chief

Bengaluru: In the wake of residents of Bellandur demanding a permanent solution to the problem of frothing in Bellandur Lake, the state government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for restoration of the lake by setting up Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), said Lakshman, chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Wednesday.

 

After inspecting the Bellandur Lake along with BWSSB authorities, Lakshman said the existing treatment facility was insufficient to treat the sewage water entering the lake. A detailed meeting would be held with all stakeholders such as BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, Residence Welfare Associations, Industrial Associations and NGOs for a possible solution to resolve the issue.

 

"The responsibility of resolving the issue of pollution does not lie with the authorities alone. The members of public also need to be made aware of the repercussions of their actions," he said. Though the law prohibits letting of untreated industrial and domestic waste into the lake, it is not being followed. Due to the indiscriminate discharge of pollutants from industries and domestic holdings the lake is polluted. This has made life miserable for people living around the lake, he added.

 

This was the first inspection by Lakshman after assuming the charge as KSPCB Chairman. A study by the KSPCB pointed out the presence of alarming rates of sulphur in the water body, Lakshaman said. "We will try to make the laws more stringent to identify the violators and penalize them if needed. We are yet to identify a permanent solution to the existing pollution in the lake, however, we have identified certain short term solutions to ease living conditions which will be implemented by June 2016," said Ramakrishnan, BWSSB Chief Engineer.

 

"The living conditions or residents have become extremely difficult. We hope the new Chairman is able to provide effective solutions to the problems faced by us," said Nalini, a resident.