JOIN US For almost 350-odd million litres of untreated sewerage is let into the lake every day.
Yes, even as civic authorities in the City are busy preparing blueprints for conserving water, and seeking newer sources to draw it, saving the existing lakes appears to skip their minds.
And Bellandur lake is probably one of the victims. Part of Bellandur sewerage system that covers southern and the south-eastern parts of the City, has been polluting the lake beyond its natural ability to neutralise.
Further, the conversion of watershed area of the lake to residential and commercial plots has resulted in an enhanced silt movement – lowering water yield in the catchment, affecting the groundwater recharge.
And this proves to be a big problem for the citizens who heavily depend on borewells, as there is no Cauvery water connection to the locality.
While the pollution is apparent, the problems caused by it still misses the eyes of the citizens, who have got used to the polluted environment. Doctors in the locality told Deccan Herald that respiratory infections and throat problems are common in the area. But there aren’t any skin-related issues reported.
However, Bellandur Corporator Babu Reddy exuded confidence that the problems related to the lake will soon be sorted out. “We are aware of the problems relating to the lake. In fact, Rs 198-crore plan has been approved by the BBMP to clean up the lake and a treatment plant will soon be set up,” he said, adding that plans are also on to get direct water from Cauvery.