Dumping of garbage, sewage turn Kote Kere into cesspool

The indiscriminate release of wastewater and dumping of garbage, along with the growth of weeds, has polluted the Kote Kere, a lake, in the town.

As the sewage water enters the lake from the surrounding layouts, the lake has turned into a cesspool.

The staunch smell emanating from the lake is not only driving away the people but is also causing a lot of problems to the residents.

The water body has turned out to be a safe haven for buffaloes and pigs.

Though the CMC has erected a board banning the dumping of waste into the water body, garbage is seen dumped below the board itself.

In spite of installing a CCTV camera to nab the culprits, the City Municipal Council (CMC) could not prevent people from dumping the garbage.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Environment Officer E Prakash said, “Water from the lake is tested once a month. As sewage water enters the lake the quality of water is deteriorating with each passing day. The board has served notices to the CMC commissioner four times in the last 10 months. A report has also been submitted to the deputy commissioner with regard to the polluting of the lake.”

Dr Geetha Venkatesh, a resident, said, “In spite of heavy rain, the lake has not overflowed this year. Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh had released grants for the development of the lake, a year ago. However, the district administration has failed to develop the lake.”

The weeds growing in the lake should be cleared from the roots. All the blockages to the lake must be cleared. A walking path should be laid around the lake. Streetlights should be installed near the lake. A public toilet must also be constructed, she added.

MLA C T Ravi said, “Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh has released grants for the development of the lake. The deputy commissioner is in charge of the committee for the development of the lake. The weeds in the lake were removed four months ago using a machine. Now, they have grown again. Local organisations should join hands with the district administration in the development of the lake.”