3,707 tonnes of weeds removed, says BDA

Around 3,707 tonnes of weeds have been cleared from the 910-acre Bellandur lake. In the past five days alone 737 tonnes have been removed by just two machines, according to an official release issued by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

The BDA is said to be using three weed harvesters — one long boomer and two floating excavators — which were introduced on the lake only on June 2, 2017. While one weed harvester cleared 340 tonnes from May 29 to June 2, the second one cleared 410 tonnes.

P N Nayak, engineer member, BDA, told DH that the two new excavators have been brought from Mumbai to clear the weeds faster. “The aim is to clear the weeds from the lake as soon as possible. Only after the weeds are cleared and monsoons are over, will the BDA and the urban development department take a decision of desilting the lake,” he said.

The release also mentioned that survey work on a two-kilometre stretch of the lake had been completed along with the chain-link fencing. The BDA officials on Bellandur lake site also said that the BDA was taking steps to ensure the safety of the fence and book those tampering with it.

The release also stated that seven kilometres of survey work was completed at Varthur lake and work on another one kilometre was under way. Creating a chain-link fence around the lake was also under progress.
DH News Service