Leachate from waste processing unit choking Somasundarapalya lake

 Leachate from the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation's waste processing unit at Kudlu near HSR Layout is threatening the Somasundarapalya Lake.

Negligence by authorities managing the waste processing unit has left the lake reeking and has endangered aquatic life. Leachate is being released stealthily at night over the past several months. Angry residents had blocked the drain leading to the lake from the KCDC unit.

However, on Wednesday, the blockade was removed and thousands of litres of leachate was allowed into the lake. Soon, KCDC officials and the solid waste management expert committee members were called to the spot.

Kavitha Reddy of Hasiru Mitra accused the expert committee members of allowing the plant to re-open and destroy the lake, which was home to many migratory birds. “Highly concentrated leachate was let directly into the lake which is killing aquatic life,” said Kavitha. She said expert committee member Almitra Patel too visited the spot and saw the damage caused to the lake.

When contacted, the chief executive officer of Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) G Vidyasagar said he has directed the pollution control board to shut down the plant if KCDC is unable to check leachate flow.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board chairperson Lakshman said he was aware of the leachate problem.

“There is a leachate storage plant in the KCDC unit, which is overflowing. Instead of pumping out leachate and transporting it to the BWSSB's waste water treatment plant, KCDC authorities let the polluted water into the lake. I have asked KCDC officials to check the flow of leachate,” said Lakshman.

BBMP joint commissioner (solid waste management) Sarfaraz Khan denied that leachate was released regularly. He said the leachate flowed into the drain while filling the leachate tanker for transportation. Due to the poor handling of leachate at Lingadheeranahalli plant in Banashankari VI Stage, Sompura lake in the adjoining area was contaminated. The plant was later shut down for violating environmental norms.