Hyderabad: Experts say that the Bellandur lake catching fire in Bengaluru recently was a disaster waiting to happen. The lake was frothing for over three years, with last monsoon being the worst when toxic foam spilled on to the roads out of control.
Pollution board officials say that was a sure sign of the quantity of methane in the lake water building up inexorably which eventually had to get ignited at some point. Dumping of human waste, domestic and other bio waste led to the formation of methane gas molecules in the water of the lake.
Dr Subba Rao, a lake expert, says, “The lake is a large water body that has repeatedly been used as a dumping group for untreated chemicals and sewage. Making it one of the most polluted lakes in the country. Large quantities of thermocol also used to be disposed there, which is why the lake caught fire twice in the past.”
“Lakes in Hyderabad have also started frothing frequently. We can see the presence of methane in river Musi, Uppal and other lakes. A lot of open nalas release hot air because of the extensive amount of pollutants in them,” says Mr Subba Rao. Pollution expert N. Ravinder says, “We need to have a thorough scientific investigation into the condition of lakes in and around the city. Without blocking sewage lines that illegally let out water into rivers and lakes, it will be very difficult to control pollution of our water bodies.”
