After the National Green Tribunal, gave the Bengaluru’s civic agencies one month’s time to divert the sewage flowing into Bellandur Lake, the civic agencies are now mulling over the installation of ramps that will divert the froth from the lake.
The Urban Development Department claims that this method has been able to arrest frothing in Varthur Lake substantially, the Times of India reported.
Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, and also the head of the joint committee dealing with the lake clean-up, said that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had used channels to siphon the froth from the Varthur Lake's upper surface.
“Frothing occurs when water from the stormwater drains fall into the lake, which contains the phosphorus in soaps and detergents. The channels can be lowered by putting up ramps and 90% of the frothing can be stopped,” he added.
The Varthur project, which started in March when the residents of the area complained of frothing, has not been completely successful, because the water is now passing through the ramps, and the frothing occurs in the ends where the water flows.
According to the TOI report, residents feel that the approach is a “band-aid” solution, as it is only a temporary solution. When water levels in the drains increase, the sewers cannot sustain the flow and the lake froths. Instead of building ramps and sewers, the Palike must ensure that the sewage does not enter the lake at all, it added.
However, the Urban Development Department is planning on improvising on the idea of siphoning out the froth and is in consultation with hydraulic engineers. The Palike is also planning to attach a turbine to the lake, which will help produce electricity.
The Palike has also decided to deploy 12 Home Guards in shifts around Bellandur Lake to keep out those who dump garbage illegally. A patrolling vehicle will also do the rounds at night. All these initiatives will begin on Monday.
“Four home guards will work in three shifts. The BBMP has already installed seven CCTV cameras, and depending on the requirement, more cameras will be put up. A focus light will be set up and fogging work will be done on alternate days,” BBMP Commissioner, Manjunath Prasad said. The various civic agencies have come together and divided the work amongst themselves to ensure a speedy clean-up process.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) will be responsible for the wetland development.
The wetland model will be developed by Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Professor, TV Ramachandra. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will be responsible for removal of debris and de-weeding, and the agency is in now finalising the tender. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has to ensure that industries around the lake are shut and prevent sewage inflow into the lake.