Bengaluru residents froth in anger over foaming lakes

Bengaluru: For those residing near Yemalur and Bellandur lakes, there is no respite from the foam formation in these water bodies and authorities have so far failed to solve the issue. Motorists have to often contend with foam spilling over to nearby roads and risk accidents. BBMP had assured to undertake temporary measures to tackle this problem but in vain.

Few months ago when the froth in these lakes began spilling over to the nearby areas for the first time, BBMP Commissioner Kumar Naik had assured that the Palike will initiate short term measures like pumping water into these lakes to reduce the froth.

However, he had also pointed out that until BDA and BWSSB build an underground sewerage system, this problem would persist. He also wanted KSPCB to penalise industries discharging effluents into these lake. The Commissioner had also urged the people to reach out to BBMP in case they faced any problem in this regard.

However, to the utter dismay of local residents the problem has become more acute with froth spilling over to nearby areas with greater frequency, often assisted by winds.

Sunitha Devi, a local resident, said, “The froth now looks like huge chunk of iceberg. And due to the winds, it has been spilling on the road. We have made several complaints to the local officials, but they have not bothered to do anything.”

Rejesh B Nair, a commuter, pointed out, “I frequently take the road by the side of Yemalur Lake and the foam often blocks my view, forcing me to use wipers. It is even worse for two-wheeler riders. Once I saw a huge chunk of froth came in front of a biker and he narrowly escaped a fall.”

Another commuter said, “Sustained flow of untreated sewage and industrial effluents has contaminated the lake. The inflow of pollutants has surpassed the lake’s assimilative capacity.”