JOIN USUlsoor lake on Monday got a boost with the release of 1,000 litres of activated effective microbes as a part of the cleansing and rejuvenation project of the water body.
Activated effective microbes (EM Technology) was adopted to remove foul smell and melt the floating sludge.
Kiran P Kulkarni, project convenor, EM Technology, said, “EM technology involves the use of micro-organisms like lacto bacilli, yeast and phototrophs. They are mixed in equal quantities in a liquid form and are sprayed over the sludge.
It is an environment-friendly technique devoid of any chemicals. While the lacto bacilli grows in the water, warding off the smell, yeast and phototrophs feed on the sludge. Apart from improving the water quality, the percentage of dissolved oxygen also increases with the usage of this solution.”
Long-lasting effect
He said this activity was earlier taken up at Ulsoor lake in 2009 and in 2010. “The effect is long-lasting and the solution should be sprayed depending on the pollution level in the lake. I had visited the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike officials recently, suggesting to them to adopt this technology in the City lakes as well as to treat leachate in the Mandur landfill area. But I did not receive a favourable response,” he said.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairman Dr Vaman Acharya and environmentalist Dr A N Yellappa Reddy were present.
Reddy said there were two entry points from where untreated sewage water entered Ulsoor lake.
“As per the High Court order, no untreated sewage water should be let into the lake. It is a crime. The KSPCB is monitoring the lake regularly. However, there is utter confusion over who should face action, as there are many players involved – the BBMP, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, the Lake Development Authority, among others,” he said.