Now, fire engulfs buffer zone of Bellandur Lake

Days after the BBMP appointed marshals to fight the massive fire at Bellandur lake, the buffer zone of the lake caught fire on Friday.

The incident took place around 3:30 pm after unidentified persons allegedly lit fire to the grass. “We do not know who is doing it or why they are doing it. This is the fourth incident in the last 10 days. I think some people are doing it purposely,” said Sonali Singh, a Bellandur resident.

A team of marshals, who are appointed by BBMP to penalise people for throwing garbage and creating black spots, quickly grabbed some sticks and other available materials to extinguish the fire. “The BBMP is supposed to provide them with fire-fighting equipment but it is still not done. It is painful to hear that they fought the fire with their bare hands,” added Sonali.

She also suspected that the lake caught fire automatically as it has dried up over the past few weeks.

Joint Commissioner (SWM) Sarfaraz Khan was directed by the BBMP Commissioner to provide marshals with basic firefighting equipment but they have not been provided yet. “The BBMP is still in the process of recruitment of marshals. We are currently issuing them id cards and the process of providing them with fire safety equipment will follow. We will do it soon, and conduct sessions for them about how to use them,” said Ranvir D, Special Commissioner (SWM).