Bangalore, August 31, 2017: The Somasundarapalya Lake situated in Sector 2 of HSR layout is choking with construction debris and solid waste, and has not been cleaned in the last five years. Residents in the apartments surrounding the lake have to live with the smell continuously.
Vinay Kumar, a resident of S.V. Lakeview Apartments, said tractors and trucks often dump construction debris into the lake. He says they have often complained to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) regarding the condition of the lake and the smell, but the authority has not responded to their plea.
Noor Jahan, a housekeeper told The Softcopy that her daughter has been suffering from dengue. She spoke about the garbage accumulation around the lake and emphasized that the BBMP has not collected the garbage in months. Dr Suresh, Medical Officer of Health BBMP, Bomanahalli, said that a total of 42 dengue cases have been recorded in the area since January 2nd, 2017.
Mr Jaganath Rao, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) said that the BBMP plans to develop the lake and revive it. He added that a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be set up in order to clean and purify the water. The plant might take up to a year to be set up after the tender has been approved.
BBMP’s Assistant Engineer Shilpa said that the Government of Karnataka is yet to sanction the promised budget of Rs 4 Crores for the development of the lake. The letter seeking approval was sent on August 7, 2017.
Dr T.V Ramachandra, coordinator of Energy and Wetlands Research Group at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) said that most of the lakes in Bangalore are in a bad shape because of lack of custodians.
The residents of HSR layout filed petitions at change.org from 2012 to save the lake and prevent further encroachment of debris into the lake. These petitions have been sent to The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
