The National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee, headed by former Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde, met officials of various civic agencies on Saturday and decided to hasten the process of the rejuvenation of Bellandur and Varthur lakes.
The meeting, according to those present, decided to clear the water from the two lakes through appropriate operating strategies.
With the draining of the water and stoppage of further entry of water, the lakes will start drying and the organic content deposited in the lake will be exposed to sunlight. This, it is said, may cause some odour. However, insects and mosquitoes would be controlled.
Temporary drains will be created to divert sewage to the downstream of the lakes. This is necessary as the sewage is not completely treated. It is said that the BWSSB has assured the committee that by June 2020, only treated sewage will be let into the lake.
Once the lakes are completely drained, the BDA will initiate the process of removing the accumulated silt in the lakebed, besides coming out with strategies for management of silt.
The meeting saw participation of officials from the Departments of Urban Development, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries, Bengaluru Development Authority, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.