Until civic authorities get their act together to prevent frothing and foaming in Belandur and Varthur lakes, micro bugs may provide the solution to save the embattled water bodies.
On Thursday, private companies and citizens’ groups joined hands to spray nearly 1,000 litres of E.M. (Effective Microorganisms) into Amani kere (part of Belandur lake) and Varthur lake. Another 2,500 litres will be sprayed on June 5, which is World Environment Day.
Considering the size of the lake – both are cumulatively estimated to be spread over 919 acres – Kiran P. Kulkarni, lake activist and Managing Director of the portal Propertyloop, said at least 12,000 litres of the green-coloured solution is needed to purify the lake. The technology uses several breeds of live microbes, including yeast and photosynthetic bacteria, that react with decomposing or dead matter and break them down. The promise, therein, is that with removal of sewage within the lake, the foul smell and froth will consequently reduce.
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The technology had first been used in 2009 on Ulsoor lake, following which even Cubbon Park lake was coated with the solution. “Unlike Ulsoor lake, which is stagnant, water in Belandur lake flows towards Varthur. This means the solution gets diluted and so more should be sprayed,” said Mr. Kulkarni.
Cost is an inhibiting factor. Each litre of the solution costs Rs. 50. In all, the treatment will cost Rs. 6 lakh. While Mr. Kulkarni’s company will sponsor the first 2,500 litres and watch company Titan another 2,000 litres, he is hoping that local elected representatives will extend support for the rest.
Local MLA Arvind Limbavalli said he would petition the government or use local area development funds to ensure that all 12,000 litres can be procured and sprayed.
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