Just not the right climate for Bengaluru lakes

Bengaluru: A fortnight ago, foaming of Bellandur Lake became a hot topic of discussion countrywide, exposing the pathetic state of water bodies in the city. Bengaluru, which once boasted of 300-plus water bodies, is struggling to save just 50 lakes that have survived.

These lakes too are not free of encroachments and pollution. Many of these lakes are being fed by untreated sewage and industrial waste, and experts warn that if the laws are not strictly implemented, more lakes will start spewing poisonous foam.

“The conservation of lakes and open spaces must be taken up on a priority basis as these are the best tools to fight climate change. A hectare of vegetation can absorb 8 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Similarly, algae in waterbodies work as ‘carbon sequester’ helping urban areas fight climate change. Most importantly, a city like Bengaluru should have more trees. The city, which is referred to as Garden City, has only 15 lakh trees for a population of one billion. This means we have one tree for seven people, while we should have at least two trees per person,” said Mr Suresh Heblikar, a senior environmentalist.

Sewage flowing into lakes, and unattended garbage give out methane gas, which is 21 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, experts said. “Bengaluru is contributing majorly to global warming. There has been increased awareness on waste segregation, but it needs to be followed up,” said a wetland expert from IISc.

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