The committee formed by the National Green Tribunal to oversee the protection and rejuvenation of Varthur, Bellandur and Aghara lakes held a public meeting at a private school and visited Thubarahalli lake on Friday.
“We have studied the lakes in detail. This meeting is to consult and involve the public so that we receive inputs which will be taken into consideration for recommendations,” committee member U.V. Singh said.
He said said they have requested the NGT to extend the tenure of the committee till July 30 by which time it will submit its recommendations. Currently, the tenure ends on June 30.
Prof. T.V. Ramachnadra, professor at IISc., and a member of the committee said they have planned the rejuvenation of Bellandur and Varthur lakes and if everything goes on as planned, the work will start soon. “It might take 18 to 24 months to finish the project. First, we will empty the lakes, de-silt and de-weed it, and then beautify the lakes,” he said.
However, the decision on which government agency — whether BDA or BBMP or BWSSB — will carry out the project is yet to be taken.
Jagadish Reddy, a volunteer who has been working with the committee, said NGT was closely monitoring the work and that they would request the tribunal to extend the tenure of the committee till the lakes are rejuvenated. “There are tangible changes after the present committee was formed,” he said.
Citizens at the meeting requested the NGT committee to decide on the accountability of disbursing resources to enable rejuvenation work and responsibility for maintenance of the lakes after rejuvenation.
