Varthur Lake to get marshalls soon

The Varthur Lake will get marshalls soon to check garbage dumping and encroachments.

The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) commissioner had written to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) requesting it to deploy marshalls at the Varthur Lake similar to the Bellandur Lake.

“As an extension of the initiative taken up by you for the Bellandur Lake, I request you to deploy marshals for the Varthur Lake also in the interest of the waterbody,” his letter written on October 27 said.

Speaking to DH, Rakesh Singh, BDA Commissioner, said “I had a word with the BBMP commissioner about deploying the marshalls at the Varthur Lake. This may take a few days. The BBMP is very positive about deploying the marshalls.”

In March 2018, the civic body had deputed retired army men as lake marshals at the Bellandur Lake. Around 24 marshals are keeping an eye round-the-clock in three shifts. The civic body pays them an honorarium also. They patrol the 960-acre lake, covering 27 km, every day.

Meanwhile, BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said: “BDA has asked for marshalls at the Varthur Lake similar to the Bellandur Lake. I have already instructed the officials to make arrangement to deploy the ex-servicemen.”

“In a week, we will have about 10 marshalls working there in three shifts with Prahari vehicles” he added.

The Varthur Lake is the second largest waterbody spread across 445-acre and is also one of the most polluted lakes in the city. The lake ecosystem is polluted because of sewage water and illegal dumping of garbage and debris.