Bengaluru: Varthur lake froths again, motorists fume

Bengaluru: The condition of Varthur lake has worsened again with thick blanket of froth covering the roads and drains for the last two days. The recent continuous rain due to the Vardah cyclone and letting in of untreated sewerage water into the lake has given rise to froth, up to seven foot high, on Friday morning.

Despite repeated assurances from Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister K. J. George of a solution to this problem, the local residents continue to suffer, said a Whifefield Rising volunteer.

Although the government needs some time in floating tenders to install sewerage treatment plant (STP) at the Varthur lake, the authorities must ensure that the STPs at the up-steam are functional and water is treated. This would solve the problem to a great extent, the volunteer added.

The lake must also be desilted and cleared of weeds like hyacinth to allow sun light to penetrate. The BBMP and BWSSB efforts to check frothing by spraying chemicals have failed. The BWSSB had sent a water tanker to sprinkle the water and to bring down the intensity of the froth, the volunteer said.

The road was not visible at all and people passing by Varthur Kodi, Varthur Junction of Whitefield Main road have to pass through the narrow stretch of bridge. Since, the road is not visible there are motorist risked hitting the walls of the bridge, said a resident.

The government, BWSSB and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) must ensure that the STPs are set up by major commercial establish are actually functional and are not discharging untreated water into the lake. KSPCB officials say that the BWSSB and Lake Development Authority must take the onus of keeping the lake in good condition, added another volunteer.

A BWSSB official said the construction of STPs near Bellandur and Varthur lakes have been taken up and it would take at least two years to complete the work. Once it is done the problem of frothing will not arise, said the official.