Rain raises toxic foam levels at Bellandur lake

People struggle to bear stench from polluted water body

 The toxic foam is back at the Bellandur lake after Thursday night's downpour. Following the rainfall, the level of froth has doubled giving nightmare to local residents and road users. 

Motorists and pedestrians going towards Bellandur, Yemlur, Old Airport Road and surrounding areas bore the brunt on Friday. Pedestrians were seen covering their noses to escape the strong stench emanating from the polluted water body. Locals said the foam level that was earlier at 15 feet has increased to 25 feet after Thursday’s rainfall. Froth generation too has shot up considerably. 

Srinivas R of Yemlur, who stays 100 metres away from the Bellandur lake, said: “Construction of a bridge at Bellandur lake is on and hence all the water from the lake is flowing towards the neighbouring Yemlur lake, which is connected to the Bellandur lake. We are forced to close the doors of our houses as foam may enter in with bouts of gutsy winds. The mosquito menace has also increased.” 

Former president of Bellandur Gram Panchayat K Jagannath said that while stench due to sewage entering the lake is manageable, they can’t bear the froth as it causes skin infections, irritation in nose, rashes and breathing problems.

“The froth contains poisonous chemicals and, with rains, the level of foam increases and turns inflammable. While Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) proposal to construct Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) is good, we need immediate measures as we are unable to live peacefully,”  he added.

Residents said the problem of frothing started with sewage entering the lake from houses, companies and apartments due to the negligence of BWSSB.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board chairman Lakshman told Deccan Herald that once STPs are constructed, the foam will come under control. Recently, representatives from BWSSB had made a presentation to state government on the STP project.

According to BWSSB sources, the STPs will come up in Hulimavu, Sarakki, Chikka Begur and Agara, all connecting to  Bellandur lake.

Sprinklers to be used

BBMP Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drains) Siddegowda who visited the Bellandur lake on Friday told Deccan Herald he will write to the BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad seeking deployment of sprinklers at the lake, as a temporary measure to control foam.