The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) workers on Saturday night and Monday morning removed hyacinth plants which were blocking the water flow partially in channels.
The hyacinth had entered the water channel due to winds and were removed using an earthmover. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
As soon as the BWSSB learnt that the plants were cutting the flow of water by half, a team was formed under the direction of the chairman of the board. If left unattended, the city would have faced water shortage to the tune of 1,000 MLD, said a BWSSB release.
According to the release, the team worked from 10 p.m. on Saturday to 2 a.m. on Sunday using an earthmover. The workers removed the hyacinth that entered the water channel owing to winds.
As much of the plants were removed, the shortage of water was reduced to 100 MLD. Due to this shortage, a few areas experienced water disruption and tankers were used to supply water. However, in most of the areas the water supply continued as usual, the release added.
Free supply
Listing out other measures taken to handle the water crisis, the BWSSB said it is also supplying 1 lakh litres of water for free to areas with the highest population density. The BWSSB in a press release said at Ambedkar Slum, there are about 1,088 homes and the board has placed 22 tanks and water is being filled twice a day.
Lakes
The BWSSB is also filling Kengeri lake with treated water from the sewage treatment plants (STP) located at Vrushabhavathy valley, Nayandahalli lake, and Kengeri.
On the other hand, the work to fill water to Dabasipalya, Hosakerehalli, and Halagewaderahalli lakes are under way. This is being done as a measure to recharge groundwater.
Ram Prasath Manohar, BWSSB Chairman after inspecting the work said apart from Kengeri lake, 14 lakes will be filled with treated water.
