BWSSB directed to divert sewage away from Allalasandra lake

Allalasandra Lake in Yelahanka has a joggers’ path, a children’s play area, a park and benches for citizens to rest. However, these facilities are hardly being used by residents of nearby areas. The reason is the unbearable stench that lingers in the air.

On Tuesday, Upalokayukta S.B. Majage, accompanied by officials of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), inspected the 44-acre lake in Yelahanka following complaints about the stench from the residents.

Speaking to

The Hindu , BBMP Commissioner M. Lakshminarayan said that unlike other lakes that are tucked away, the Allalasandra Lake is in the middle of residential areas.

The team found on inspection that the entire sewage of Yelahanka was being let into the lake. “Ironically, there is a sewage treatment plant at Yelahanka. There is also demand for treated water from the many industries and even the airport.”

He said Mr. Majage directed BWSSB officials to divert the sewage from the lake to the treatment plant. “The BWSSB officials have agreed to lay a special pipeline to divert sewage to the plant. They have sought six months’ time for the same.” Once the sewage is diverted from the lake, the BBMP would take up removal of silt and weeds, he added.

Mr. Lakshminarayan said the lake has been fenced. He conceded that around two acres had been encroached upon. Two temples had come up, while there was a slum in another section. “The BBMP has to respect local sentiment. We cannot demolish temples, even though a section of residents wanted it to be removed,” he claimed.