New pipes to divert sewage, save Benniganahalli lake

Benniganahalli Lake on Old Madras Road, which had become a stinking pool of sewage flowing from nearby houses and apartments, is now set to get a makeover. After receiving directions from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to lay a sewage line in and around the lake, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has undertaken the works here.   

A fortnight ago, work on laying sewage pipes started along a stretch of 2 km on the eight-km road. The directions were given after KSPCB received a complaint from Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP).

“The waterbody was stinking with sewage from factories, houses and apartments. Dirty water that was let into a storm water drain entered the lake. Six months ago, we lodged a complaint with KSPCB," JSP executive committee member Narayan B S said.

JSP members said they had earlier raised the issue with BWSSB but no action had been initiated.

Project to cost Rs 2.5 cr BWSSB official Siddaray Tawarkhed said the Rs 2.5-crore project would be completed in the next three to four months. 

He said locals in the area had been negligent towards maintenance of the lake. “An old pipeline was laid unscientifically by locals. This however, choked after some time. With this new project, sewage would be diverted to a treatment plant at Kadubeesanahalli,” he said.