George promises steps to clean up TG Halli reservoir

The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have come forward to revive the Thippagondanahalli reservoir, which was once the primary drinking water source for Bengaluru.

Bengaluru Development Minister K J George inspected the reservoir and discussed with officials the measures to be taken for its restoration on Wednesday.

“There is a plan to supply 1.8 tmcft of water from the Yettinahole project to this reservoir. Before the project is ready, there is a need to clean the water,” George said.

BWSSB chief engineer (Cauvery) Mahesh said: “There was inadequate rainfall in the region this year. At present, the water level in the reservoir is 38 feet. Even sewage water is flowing into the lake from unauthorised buildings. The water is not suitable for drinking as it is mixed with effluents,” he said. To clean the lake using reverse osmosis (RO) technology, we require Rs 108 crore. The process might take at least two to three years, he added.

George said: “The amount of sewage flowing into the reservoir would come down as two sewage treatment plants are coming up in Chikkabanawara and Nagasandra. “KSPCB has provided Rs 10 crore to clean the water flowing from Arkavathy and BWSSB will provide an equal amount to treat water flowing from Kumudvathi,” he said. The minister also asked officials to explore different options to clean the lake.