Report submitted on supply of treated water from Vrushabhavathi

President of the sub-committee against lake encroachment N A Haris on Monday said a detailed project report has been submitted by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited to lay two pipelines from Vrushabhavathi Valley and Mylasandra Lake at a cost of Rs 250 crore. These pipes will supply treated water to Byramangala Lake.

Harris told reporters after visiting Vrushabhavathi Valley, Mylasandra Lake and Byramangala Lake in Bidadi that treated water collected after the completion of the pipeline project will be stored in Byramangala Lake and in lakes of Ramanagaram, which will then be used for agriculture. This will ensure that there is minimal wastage of water.

During the visit, Haris enquired from officials of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) about why water was being wasted and not treated adequately. He directed officials to promote use of treated water among people, industries and other stake holders and ensure minimal wastage.

S M Krishna, chief engineer (sewage water treatment), BWSSB, said the demand for treated water is poor and hence what is not sold or utilised was being let into drains. Krishna said that only recently, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) showed interest in utilising treated water for construction and other purposes. BWSSB has written to many city-based industries to use treated water, but none of them has shown interest.

Krishna also pointed out that untreated water was entering Vrushabhavathi valley from 46 points and the board was planning to construct small dams to treat solid waste which is accumulated in the valley. Apart from this, Bengaluru generates 60 crore litres of untreated water everyday, of which only 20 crore litres is treated and utilised. The BWSSB is chalking out a plan to treat 60 crore litres of water by 2020.

Haris drew the attention of BWSSB and corporation officials to the pathetic condition of Byramangala lake. Haris said that this lake was facing the same fate as the frothing Bellandur Lake. He said he had asked the committee to prepare a detailed project report to rejuvenate Byramangala Lake and make it a tourism destination.