Fresh froth in Varthur lake flies in the face of BDA

The downpour over the last couple of days has laid bare the lack of measures to control the frothing in Varthur and Bellandur lakes and rejuvenating the water bodies.

Residents of Whitefield and those around Varthur lake were shocked at the sight of froth flying out of the mesh put up by the lake custodian - Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

According to local residents, there is frothing even on the side of Varthur main road, where BWSSB has undertaken siphoning to control the frothing. The siphoning was introduced on March 29. But it has not been effective during the rain.

The residents said they noticed the froth on Saturday itself. But on Sunday, it started flying out of the mesh. They accepted it was because of the  downpour over the last couple of days and strong winds. But they demanded that the government control it as the monsoon was approaching.

Pravir Bargodia, member of Whitefield Rising Group, said this was for the first time that the froth had spread up to Columbia Asia Hospital. It was hitting people on the face on Sunday.

On Saturday, BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh visited residents in nearby areas and listened to their grievances. Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, urban development department, told DH he will inspect the location and ask BWSSB to check the frothing. He said BWSSB was directed to introduce permanent siphoning mechanism to control the frothing.

Orders will be issued to add more sprinklers to reduce the froth. He said the mesh around the lake was removed by miscreants and the BDA had already filed a police complaint in this regard. Singh said a meeting with officials was called on Monday to find a permanent and quick solution to control the frothing.