Bengaluru: 24 industries around Bellandur Lake shut

Bengaluru: Acting on an NGT order, the KSPCB on Wednesday slapped closure notices against industries around the Bellandur Catchment Area for discharging effluents into the lake.

As many as 30 industries were shut, of them 24 on Wednesday alone. An inspection team, headed by N. Laxman, senior division Environmental Officer, south division, has also been set up, confirmed the KSPCB. The team will keep a vigilant eye on issues surrounding the waterbody. The KSPCB issued notices to polluting industries under Section 33 (1) of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1974.

Askco Prints, Suraksha Car Care, Tafe Access, Pooja Industries and Lathangi Motors are few of the companies that were shut. The Board said that any industry polluting and generating effluents harmful to the lake would be dealt with strictly.  “We are waiting for further orders from the National Green Tribunal to show us the way forward,” said KSPCB chairman V.V. Laxman.     

On day 3 of deweeding operations at Bellandur Lake, two earthmovers were pressed into service. They are clearing the debris to create a path to allow boats to get into the lake.

A barge – a flat bottomed boat, which is being transported on a trailer from Mumbai, is expected to arrive in the city on Friday. The barge will help remove weed from the middle of the lake. Officials are trying to station these boats in the southern part of the lake.

The original contract specified three months to dewed the lake, but it might take longer. After deweeding, water from the lake will be diverted to Koramangala-Challaghatta valley for treatment. Later, it will be sent to Kolar to fill lakes and for agricultural purposes. Pipes are being laid to divert water, sources said.