There are many small and big upstream lakes connected to Bellandur (46) and Varthur (50). The expert committee on Bellandur, formed by the NGT, had recommended rejuvenation of all. But, while Bellandur has got allocation for rejuvenation, none of the other lakes are getting the required money or the attention.
As long as these lakes are left out, there can be no comprehensive solution for Bellandur lake, said experts.
According to the report by the expert committee, Bellandur lake receives about 500 MLD of treated and untreated sewage, which is the major reason for pollution in the lake. Of this, at least 180 MLD is untreated. Considering that these lakes are interconnected, the sewage needs to be stopped from entering the upstream lakes.
There seems to be some ray of hope for Kaggadasapura lake after the recent visit of Mayor R. Sampath Raj, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and BWSSB Chairman Tushar Girinath.
The BWSSB has been directed to install a 5 MLD STP to take the overload of sewage from apartments around the lake.
In 2015, the lake received a cosmetic makeover when walkways were constructed around the water body. But residents said one needs to close their nose while taking a walk near the lake.
Rashmita Jena, a member of Save Kaggadasapura Lake group, said, “While dumping of garbage into the lake has been controlled after BBMP posted a security guard at the lake, sewage continues to flow into the water body. The sewage is coming from apartments around the lake, and from places such as IT parks and residents of nearby layouts. Also, the lake has not been de-silted. So bad is the stench that people living around can’t keep their windows open. We hope the government fulfils its promise of setting up an STP.”
The Parappana Agrahara Central Prison has been letting sewage into Harlur lake and Hosa lake, and complaints have been registered under the Environment Protection Act.
“The prison is letting raw sewage into these lakes. Despite our complaints, no action has been taken. How can such a big prison be allowed to function without an STP?” said Nagesh Aras, an environment activist.
Members of Vibhutipura lake team have also been asking for an STP.
A member said, “Sewage is being let into the rajakaluve, which empties into the lake. We have been asking for an STP, but the BWSSB says it has no funds. Also, the BBMP had sanctioned ₹3 crore for rejuvenation of the lake. While work started six months ago, it is too slow. We have not seen any visible progress.”
The water from Vibhutipura lake enters Doddanekundi, which is facing similar problems.
A senior BWSSB official said, while work on Sarakki and Chikkabegur is on, land for setting up an STP has been allotted for the Kaggadasapura lake by the BBMP.