Bengaluru: Bellandur lake - Weed killers at work

Bengaluru: Though the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order is being complied with and the works are on at a snail's pace, the only solace is that two barges (long flat-bottomed boats) have been deployed to clear the weed at Bellandur Lake.

The barges can cut and drag the hyacinth and other weeds to the shore. The contractor has been operating the barges and the weeds are being dumped on the shore. The weed is allowed to dry before being picked up and dumped.

Sonali Singh, a lake activist and a member of Whitefield Rising, said that considering the size of the lake, clearing it is a near-impossible task. "However, after sustained protests by citizens and with the NGT directing civic stakeholders, the lake is being cleaned up. We have to see how serious the authorities are in adhering to the court order and reviving the lake," she said.

The barges are being put to use from 8 am to 6 pm. According to a technician operating the barge, at least three months are required to clear the weed in the entire lake.

Clean Tech, which has been engaged in clearing the lake, is a Delhi-based company and has been engaged in 15 projects in clearing weed across the country.

"Weeds in the lake grow quickly. The clean-up crew are trying to get in touch with a bio-gas company to use the weed for better purposes rather than leaving it on the sides of the lake," he said.

The villagers use the weed to feed their livestock. Bhoomika, a villager, said that these plants are potential fodder for cows and not at all harmful. Gundappa, another villager, said, "I usually go and gather up a heap of plants to feed the cows. At times we also let the cattle graze on their own near the lake."

 Bosch commences operations
Auto component major Bosch on Monday resumed operations at its Adugodi and Koramanagala facilities after being notified by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to temporarily freeze operations. KSPCB notified all the industrial units in the catchment area of Bellandur lake, Bengaluru to temporarily cease operations. As a result, Bosch had shut its operations down for a day and made a representation to the pollution control board authorities. However, the company said that it has commenced operations after receiving clarification from KSPCB that "the provisions dated in the Public Notification of May 05, 2017 are not applicable to the Group."

"As a responsible organization, Bosch has put in place and follows stringent environment standards that are practiced globally across production locations," said the statement released by Bosch. The company also said that it does not foresee any financial impact or turnover loss on account of temporary closure.

"As a socially responsible organization the Bosch Group upholds the highest standards of environment protection and legality. Necessary sewage and effluent treatment measures have been implemented. We follow standards as has been defined globally," said Soumitra Bhattacharya, president, Bosch Group.