Bengaluru: Use Jakkur clean up model for Bellandur lake, says expert

Bengaluru: While civic agencies have woken from their slumber after the National Green Tribunal’s order to clean up Bellandur lake, water expert and scientist from the Indian Institute of Science,  T V Ramachandra has some pointers that could help them revive both the Bellandur and Varthur lakes.

 Suggesting that the authorities replicate the measures taken to clean up the Jakkur lake in the city, the scientist says Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) should be set up along with wetlands around the two lakes.  "Once the sewage is treated, it should be made to pass through algae ponds to remove its nutrients before it enters the lakes. Also, we  need to remove all blockades at their outlets and inlets, so that their  water does not stagnate, and their aeration is improved, " he adds. Underlining that encroachments  on the lake beds, the stormwater drains leading to them and their buffer zones should be removed to conserve them.

Dr Ramachandra  suggests wet dredging to take away their deposited sediments, regular removal of  macrophytes and surveillance by resident groups and a network of educational institutions to keep them healthy.  He  believes there should be regular monitoring of the sewage treatment plants and recommends that a local NGO  be given the responsibility of regular maintenance and management of the two lakes. "A single agency with  statutory and financial autonomy should be made the custodian of their natural resources," he adds

To add recreational value to the lakes, he suggests installation of fountains around them. While he is all for planting native species of macrophytes in the buffer zone, he says a strict “no” to introduction of exotic species of fish in their waters And  lastly, he  recommends that the government put a stop to unplanned and irresponsible urbanisation  of the city to preserve its water bodies.

Dr Ramachandra's suggestions

• Rejuvenate Bellandur and Varthur lake together
• Curb the inflow of untreated sewage and dumping of solid waste in the lakes
• Replicate Jakkur model, where treated water passes through constructed wetlands and algae ponds to remove nutrients
• Plant native species of macrophytes in the buffer zone
• Identify local NGOs for regular maintenance and management
• Appoint single agency with statutory and financial autonomy as custodian of lakes

KSPCB yet to receive NGT order copy
The state pollution control board has not yet  received a copy of  National Green Tribunal order on Bellandur lake. "We downloaded the NGT order copy from its website http://www.greentribunal.gov.in/ to help us plan our next moves, " said a senior official.Meanwhile, three JCBs were out deweeding the lake on Thursday.

Special squad by UDD
The Urban Development Department has decided to set up a special squad to prevent illegal dumping of garbage and construction debris into the lake.