After government's cold response, residents step in to save Varthur lake

After the recent catfish kill, volunteers from Whitefield Rising group (Varthur lake team) and Varthur Rising have decided to save the water body without depending on the government.

To start with, volunteers plan to equip all the 17 inlets at Varthur lake with solid waste traps that prevent waste from entering the lake.

The waste collected would be disposed of with the help of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at regular intervals.

Jagadish Reddy, a volunteer from Whitefield Rising,said: “A mesh to hold macrophages (weeds) floating around the lake would be placed. This  would help keep the water body healthy. There are also plans to set up a water treatment apparatus after consultations about a suitable technology at Varthur Idgah Road inlet on a pilot basis. We are in talks with a few sponsors and hope to execute the projects at the earliest.”

There are two sewage outlets located in north and south east side of the lake. Sewage from upstream, apartments and effluents from industries besides dumping of garbage are choking the lake. 

Elan Kulandaivelu, another Whitefield Rising volunteer said they decided to take up lake revival as there was no response from the government even after several memoranda were submitted to authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, Karnataka State Pollution and Control Board (KSPCB) chairman Lakshman told DH that after the recent fishkill, the board’s officers inspected the lake and have sent the water samples for testing.

Short-term plans

2-4 hours to be spent every weekend to remove solid waste floating on the lake using coracles with the help of local farmers and volunteers.
Awareness campaigns among public on the lake’s condition.
Preparing a list of equipment and estimates needed to execute the lake revival project. Finding sponsors for equipment required.