Fix problems at Lingadheeranahalli waste processing unit, BBMP told

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has set a deadline of six months for the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to set things right at its Lingadheeranahalli waste processing unit or face music.

During the hearing of a batch of complaints against the waste processing units on Monday, the KSPCB chairperson Lakshman directed the BBMP to ensure setting up of an effluent treatment plant (ETP). If that was not possible, then the plant managers must store the leachate and transport it to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board's ETP. He directed the BBMP that the ETP should come up in six months time or else the KSPCB will be compelled to initiate stringent action. He also instructed the civic agency  to ensure transportation of the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) to cement factories.

Later speaking to reporters, Lakshman said that he had inspected the plant four days ago and found violations galore. “The leachate is getting mixed with the Sompura lake water. We have collected the borewell water samples too and test results are awaited to ascertain any damage to the groundwater,” he added.

Bellandur lake project

The KSPCB is going to invest Rs 100 crore to rejuvenate the Bellandur lake and Rs 4 crore for reviving the Ulsoor lake. “We are going to set up sewage treatment plants and will call for tenders soon,” he said. There are many mega residential projects in the upstream of the Bellandur lake where 588 sewage treatment plants are existing.

However, 137 are non-functional compelling the Board to initiate stringent action against those not adhering to the pollution control norms.

Criminal cases have been booked against 14 of the 137 violators.

The KSPCB has also decided to take up the rejuvenation of the Byramangala lake near Bidadi in Ramanagaram district with the help of a few private firms. Lakshman said he had a discussion with Bosch, Toyota, Coca Cola and Pepsi and suggested them to to utilise their Corporate Social Responsibility fund for the purpose.

After Bellandur, the Byramangala lake is the biggest water body around the city that has turned into a cesspool. It is part of the Vrushabhavathi valley and almost 60% of city's sewage goes to this lake.