BWSSB directed to stop sewage flow into water bodies

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Monday directed Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to stop the flow of sewage and other untreated water directly into the water bodies, quarry pits, ponds, natural canals (Rajakaluve), storm water drains (SWD) and wells in the entire Bangalore metropolitan region and its adjoining local area development authorities.

Cracking the whip following damage to Gowdanapalya Lake and resultant large scale fish kill in Dorekere, KSPCB held BWSSB accountable for the poor condition of water bodies and other water sources in and around Bangalore.

KSPCB, in a press note, said it had given a slew of directions in its letter to BWSSB on May 20, but to no avail. Finally, it made its instructions to BWSSB public.

The directions include municipal solid waste should not be dumped in the lakes, natural canals and SWDs.

It also said untreated water should not be let directly into the water source.

KSPCB Chairman Vaman Acharya directed BWSSB to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals, factories and apartments letting untreated water into the water bodies and make their names public.

He has also asked the water board to ensure nobody pollutes the water source.

He has instructed the water board to set up sewage treatment plant near precious water bodies and other sources of water.

If a builder is dumping construction material in the lake or other source of water, criminal action should be initiated.

BWSSB has been directed to set up vigilance squad to check pollution in water bodies.

KSPCB has warned stringent action against BWSSB department heads and officers under Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act- 1974, if instructions are not followed.

Regarding the Rajakaluve, the board said it had given instructions to BWSSB last year itself not to allow sewage into it.

BWSSB reacts

A senior BWSSB officer said BWSSB does not have enough resources and land to set up STPs near lakes.

Also, a committee has to be formed comprising BBMP, BDA, BMRDA and the BWSSB officials to ensure that KSPCB directives are followed.

“It is not we who are polluting it but apartments, industries and layouts. Before giving approval to the building plan and layout plan, BDA, BBMP and BMRDA should make sure that STPs are set up before letting water into the lakes, SWDs and Rajakaluve.”

BWSSB may require at least an acre and Rs 5 crore to set up STP.