Bengaluru’s Bellandur and Varthur Lake were already in news recently for spewing toxic froth. Now there is a new addition to this saga of toxicity – the Byramangala Lake which is nothing but a curse for the locals.
The lake is brimming with toxic froth due to the untreated chemical wastes that more than 5000 industrial units release directly into it.
The villagers in the surroundings dependent on the Byramangala Lake for water have started developing serious health problems solely due to the growing toxicity in the lake water. The life for those living near the lake has become hell as the polluted water emanates foul smell all the time
Byramangala Lake Worse Than Bellandur & Varthur Lake
According to the local residents, the condition of Byramangala Lake is worse than Bellandur and Varthur Lake as both the officials and the politicians have turned a close eye towards handling this issue of toxic waste coming from the industries. Incidentally, there is a sewage treatment plant located at Kengeri that treats toxic water before it goes into the lake.
Sadly, the sewage treatment plant at Vrushabhavathi Valley treats only one-fourth (15 MLD) of the toxic water whereas the remaining three-fourths (60 MLD) untreated waste is dumped directly into the lake.
But due to this neglect, the local population has been suffering the side-effects of the toxic water in the form of infection, rashes on the body, and skin diseases.
Amount For Lake Cleaning Diverted Somewhere Else
According to the Member of Parliament, DK Suresh, all the necessary efforts are being made for the revival of the Byramangala Lake so that the local residents of the surrounding villages do not face any health issues.
However, speculations indicate that the amount that has been sanctioned for cleaning of the lake as well as for the installation of the sewage treatment plant has been diverted to somewhere else.
At present, the lake water flows to 28 villages and is used by 20,000 people. Apart from drinking, the farmers also using the same water for agricultural purposes. Two decades ago, the lake was in good condition and its water was fit for drinking. But due to regular dumping of toxic waste and non-functioning RO Plant, the lake has become polluted.
The toxic water is affecting the health of the children very badly and they have to be rushed to the hospital every week. Not only locals, but even Bangaloreans are also suffering because they are buying the poisonous vegetables and fruits that are grown using this polluted water. Â
40 MLD Capacity To Be Established
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board Chairman Tushar Girinath said that 20 MLD capacity STP has already been established and additional 40 MLD capacity STP is now being set up in July.
Regarding controlling the flow of waste in the Byramangala lake Girinath said that it is the responsibility of the group of industries to develop a common effluent treatment plant. He further added that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is looking into the water. Â
The truth is that hardly any industry has its own treatment plant which is quite a dismal scenario. According to reports, very recently, the KSPCB slapped 222 industries along the catchment area of Vrushabhavathi Valley with closure notices for operating illegally. Â Â Â Â
