38 apartments yet to install STPs: KSPCB

Bengaluru: In the wake of a comprehensive report released by National Green Tribunal (NGT) last week on Bellandur and Varthur lakes, Deccan Chronicle approached Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KPSCB) to take stock of the action the board might take.

The board maintained that over 38 apartments are yet to install the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). “Notices have already been served to these apartments but they sought more time to set up STPs. They need to collect money and only after that plants can be installed. That is taking time,” said Mr Ranga Rao, member secretary, KSPCB.

On the issue of the pollution of the lake by the industries, the member secretary maintained that over 78 industries were shut last year and the detergent industries are adopting dry measures. “The industries are complying with the pollution board norms and if they are found to be violating, action will be taken,” Rao added.

However, one of the glaring points that had emerged from the report was about the entry of phosphates and nitrogen nutrients from detergents that leads to the
eutrophication of the lake. “We have sent the proposal to the Union Environment Ministry to specify the limit of phosphates and nitrogen in detergents long ago,” he apprised.

In continuance to his answers he said that the union government should decide upon the limit of phosphate and nitrogen and as of now the government has not reverted to the issue.

Dr Priyanka Jamwal, a researcher at ATREE said, “There should be limit to the entry of nitrogen going into lakes, but a study needs to be done. At Jakkur Lake, the STP removes nitrogen and not phosphates. However, constructed wetland takes care of the eutrophication of lakes.”