Bengaluru: Lakebeds cleared, what about stormwater drains?

Bengaluru: During the inspection of lakes by Koliwad, residents of Yemlur and Bellandur pleaded with the officials to clear the encroachments on the storm water drains. Koliwad ordered the BBMP and BDA officials to clear the encroachments in a week’s time. However, it has been over a week now and the encroachments still remain.

On the actions taken, BBMP Commissioner Kumar Naik said, “Currently, we are undertaking desilting work. As we progress with the work, we will identify encroachments and then after investigation, we will take up the clearance drive.”

There are many industries near and on the catchment areas of Bellandur for many years now and they have been releasing toxic material into the lake. However, none of the authorities have so far taken action against them.

Neither have they been sent any notices nor have they had their licenses suspended. On this, the BBMP Commissioner points to the State Pollution Control Board. He says, “This is the responsibility of the KSPCB. They need to identify the defaulting industries and take the necessary action.”

When the committee reached Bellandur Lake, they were shocked to see the level of contamination. Residents from Yemlur and Bellandur demanded that the tank be cleaned at the earliest.

Radha Joshi, a resident says, “We have been living in the most unhygienic conditions. There is always a bad odor and the air that we breathe is not at all clean. Our children fall sick very often.” Voicing a similar concern, another resident Mithun P said, “It has been years that the lake has been in this state but the authority has always been a mute spectator here.”