Industrial effluents caused fire in Bengaluru lake: IISc report
Froth and flames both indicate that the lakes are being fed with industrial sewage
Bengaluru: A report by the wetland experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) confirms the presence of traces of industrial waste in the water samples of the lake which was “under fire” two weeks ago.
The flames were noticed in the Yemlur Lake, located between the HAL Airport and Bellandur Wetland complex. Soon after, the office of the Upa Lokayukta had requested the lake experts from the IISc to prepare a report on the present condition of the city lakes, with emphasis on the Chellagatta-Varthur valley lake system.
The lake is part of a chain of wetlands which include Agaram, Bellandur, Varthur, Madiwala and Chellagatta lakes. These lakes are interconnected and have been at the receiving end of untreated pollutants from industries and residential colonies in the vicinity.
Dr T V Ramachandra, the head of Energy and Wetlands Research Group of IISc, will be presenting the report before the Upa Lokayukta on June 4th. The meeting will also be attended by the heads of KSPCB, BBMP, BDA and BWSSB.
According to the report, the water samples in Yemlur lake have been found to contain traces of flammable chemicals, probably discharged by the industries. “Though the BBMP and KSPCB claimed that no industrial waste is entering the city lakes, the formation of froth and flames both indicate that the lakes are being fed with industrial sewage.
During the season of pre-monsoon showers, just before the rains are heavy, the lake water is churned and the heavy metals are brought to the surface. Biological analysis of the water samples where froth and flames were reported clearly shows the heavy presence of phosphorous and hydrocarbon, the two main elements that caused the pollution,” Dr Ramachandra explained.