NGT seeks BWSSB reply over sewage pumped into lake

Bengaluru: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from authorities following a complaint that a contractor hired by the BWSSB pumped sewage into the Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake while laying hume pipes on the walking path.

The southern zone bench was hearing an application by the Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird Conservation Trust, which alleged pollution due to sewage flow into the lake. The BWSSB submitted that 317 metres of the 600-metre pipeline project had been completed.

The applicant’s counsel presented photographs taken on July 12 showing a "vast spread of water hyacinths" across the lake.

"It is alleged that the sewage mixing is due to it being pumped through the stormwater drain by the BWSSB contractors into the lake," the bench noted.

The BWSSB counsel "stoutly denied the allegation and stated that the copies of the photographs were not furnished to him, thereby preventing him from obtaining a response from the BWSSB".

The tribunal directed the applicant to submit the photographs and asked the BWSSB to seek appropriate instructions.