Facelift work begins at polluted lakes

A team of officials from BDA, BBMP and KSPCB, headed by Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, urban
development department (UDD), visited Bellandur and Varthur lakes on Wednesday morning. The water bodies have been in the news for the high levels of pollutants in them, leading to frothing.

“Work has started on the ground and visible improvement can be seen. Directions have been issued to the officials to show results at the earliest,” Jain told DH.

“Three JCBs have started work and we have asked BDA to get more to clear the weeds. Work will pick up pace from this weekend. Wire mesh has come up near the waste weir. Directions have been issued to BBMP to instal more cameras. At present, they have installed five. Directions have been issued to instal focused lights on the bund area and periphery of Bellandur lake, where strict vigil is required,” Jain said.

Directions have been issued to the police, home guards and BMTF to book cases against offenders, he added.

The officials visited the locations where two aerators have been put up. Jain said, at present, two small aerators have been put on a pilot basis. Once the hyacinth and weeds are removed, more will come up.
Jain asked the BBMP to identify garbage hotspots and fence both sides of the channels and towards the upstream of Bellandur lake to ensure people do not dump waste there.

“We have imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on a contractor identified as Reddy, two pourakarmikas were warned and inspector Ravindra was suspended,” said Sarfaraz Khan, joint commissioner, health and solid waste management, BBMP.

BBMP has been instructed to undertake fogging around the two lakes. A fogging machine would be imported to control mosquitos.

BWSSB has been directed to clear the clogged channels to ensure smooth flow of sewage. It has to coordinate with revenue department to identify encroachments along the channels. “If there is any encroachment it will be cleared immediately. In case there is none, the government will buy land under TDR to widen the channels,” Jain said.

Cost involved
The UDD has estimated that it will require Rs 150 crore to rejuvenate the lakes. This includes installing CCTV, fencing the area, weeding, fumigation, watch and ward staff, installation of STP, procuring land and silt removal.