Following previous orders, the Karnataka government on Wednesday submitted an action plan with regard to a ‘holistic rejuvenation’ of the three lakes in Bengaluru, including Bellandur, in which there had been recurrent cases of fire.
A bench headed by judicial member Jawad Rahim further directed the State government to file a report on the physical removal of macrophytes from the lakes to prevent fires. The authorities have been asked to file the report within a week.
“The Karnataka government submits that all directions have been complied with. We permit the applicant to file response to the action plan,” said the bench, after it was alleged that the action plan was not proper.
On January 29, the green panel had directed the Indian Institute of Sciences to carry out a pilot study on the macrophytes.
“Considering the role of macrophytes in rendering the quality of water in lakes below acceptable levels, it is necessary that the macrophytes menace is terminated once and for all. We, therefore, direct a pilot study to be carried out of the life cycle of macrophytes. In the meanwhile, physical removal of these macrophytes from the said lake shall be carried out at regular intervals and compliance report shall be placed before the tribunal every month,” the NGT had said.
Earlier, the green panel had come down heavily on the State government for not taking active measures to prevent recurring fires in the severely polluted Bellandur lake. The Karnataka government had been directed to submit a time-bound action plan along with a comprehensive plan that includes Varthur and Agara lakes.
