KSPCB notices to 59 apartments around Bellandur, Varthur lakes

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued show-cause notices to 59 apartment complexes around Bellandur and Varthur lakes in Southeastern Bengaluru following a month-long survey and as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The notices have been issued for not complying with the Air and Water Acts and releasing untreated water into the lake. The notices ask the apartments why their water and power supplies should not be disconnected.

G V Rangarao, member secretary, KSPCB, said issuing the notices was an ongoing process and that notices were being issued as and when the list of violators was being finalised. He maintained that the notices were being issued as per the NGT's directions.

Another KSPCB official clarified that only show-cause notices were issued, not closure notices. "Closure notices are issued when the set deadlines are not met and the orders are disobeyed. But in these cases, people have asked for time and are coming up with their own action plans," he added.

The official stressed that installing a 1,000-square metre sewage treatment plant (STP) was not difficult. He said apartments had realised the importance of having STPs and were making provisions for installing them in the basement or level-2 of the buildings.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is also issuing notices to apartments with 50 and more units that have not installed STPs.