The former Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde-led committee for rejuvenation of Bellandur lake, appointed by the National Green Tribunal, on Thursday directed officials to construct temporary channels to divert rainwater and raw sewage entering Bellandur and Varthur lakes through storm-water drains (SWDs).
After a review meeting, Mr. Hegde told The Hindu that the first step in the rejuvenation work was to desilt the lakes for which water needs to be drained out. Diversion channels would effectively reduce the water level, he said.
“This will cause some inconvenience such as foul odour and may be mosquitoes downstream. But this is a measure that needs to be taken to tackle the lakes. I have instructed civic agencies to hold meetings with residents downstream and take them into confidence. The civic agencies have also been instructed to take measures to prevent mosquito menace and other health issues,” he said.
A view of Varthur lake.
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has already lowered the water level in Bellandur lake to rebuild a waste weir. Since mid-April, the outlet sluice gates of the severely polluted lake were being opened so that the water level would stay below the waste weirs. With over 150 million litres of treated sewage being diverted to Kolar daily from Koramangala– Challaghatta valley, residents around the lake said the entry of raw sewage has led to an increase in water hyacinth across the lake.
Meanwhile, the committee also reviewed the encroachment clearance drive of SWDs linked to Bellandur and Varthur lakes and issued strict instructions to officials concerned to remove encroachments at the earliest.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for May 25.
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