BDA fixing gears to run sluice gates in Bellandur lake

Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) engineers are working to install a gear system to the sluice gates at Bellandur kodi to manage its height to match the water flow.

They have been operating the gates since August 7 while simultaneously working to install the gear. “At present JCB and other machines are being used to open and lower the gates,” said an on-site engineer.

When the gates have been tested since August 6, BDA engineers and contractors have been taking reading and the level of water flowing to Varthur and low lying area to prevent flooding. Two-and-a-half metres of water was released, the engineer said the water flow has been reduced to half-a-feet check the machines in operation and also to streamline the water.

“We’re also working to create the sluice gate at Varthur Kodi,” said a BDA official. Gates at both Bellandur and Varthur will be ready by September. We have plans of inviting Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy –also the minister in-charge of Bengaluru- to inaugurate the gates.”

Once the gates are ready, flooding in both the upper and lower areas of Bengaluru can be controlled, the official added.

Bellandur, among the city’s largest waterbodies, caught global attention as it began frothing and caught fire.

The two lakes receive 480 mld of sewerage each day and an additional 70 mld of polluted stream from storm water drains.