KSPCB issues notice to Palike over Sompura lake pollution

Taking a serious note of the damage to the Sompura lake due to the leachate from Lingadheeranahalli waste treatment plant, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has served a notice on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the plant managers.

Following a report in Deccan Herald on the destruction caused to the Sompura lake, KSPCB chairperson Lakshman visited the Lingadheeranahalli plant and the lake on Wednesday. He noticed the untreated leachate flowing from the plant and getting mixed with the lake water.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Lakshman said: “I have asked the BBMP officials and the waste treatment plant managers to appear in person on June 27 to explain why the untreated leachate continues to flow from the plant and measures taken to check its flow. I have also asked the residents of the area to attend the meeting along with the BBMP officials.”

During the visit the plant managers said the water used for washing the garbage transportation vehicle is flowing into the drain and not the leachate. “It was not convincing. We have sought more details,” said Lakshman.

Lakshman was accompanied by environment officers of KSPCB Anil Kumar and Ramesh, BBMP executive engineer Anjaneya Swamy and plant manager Ashwin Reddy. They were there for nearly three hours getting details of the leachate-related problem. The Banashankari 6th Stage Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) members were also present.

Vinay Shadaksharappa, a resident of Banashankari 6th Stage, said the RWA had given three written complaints to the KSPCB about the pollution caused by the garbage processing unit. Lakshman spoke to the residents and took note of their plight. They narrated to him that their cattle died after consuming the poisonous water from the lake. They also highlighted that the groundwater is badly affected and using it even for the domestic purposes would be an invitation to health hazards.