Bengaluru: Silt from Varthur, Bellandur lakes cleared for agri use

Bengaluru: The monitoring committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) visited Varthur and Bellandur lakes as part of routine field observation and to take stock of the implementation status of the agencies with regard to the rejuvenation of the two water bodies.

As the 52 silt samples collected last week by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) indicates no harmful composition, it has been cleared for agricultural use.

"The representation from the farming community around Varthur & Sarjapura met the committee and expressed willingness to take the silt & manures from the lake. Water samples collected at the depths of 12ft from both the lakes by KSPCB, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc)," said Jagadish Reddy, lake warden.

Weighbridges will be constructed at the exit points at the two lakes. The weighbridges enabled with a web-based monitoring systems will ensure effective control and accountability. They will determine the quantity of silt being transported by heavy trucks to the designated quarries situated near Bannerghatta.

Last month the NGT committee along with city's civic agencies including BBMP met to review the status of Storm Water Drains encroachment clearance and their protection.

A few achievements taken to rejuvenate the two lakes include the installation of sluice gates, retaining walls, waste weirs and the commissioning of marshals to prevent the untoward incidents like garbage dumping and encroachment of lakes.

The 14 sewage treatment plants (STP) sanctioned in 2016-17 are expected to be operational by March 2021.

At a few places around the lake the installation of streetlights, CCTV cameras, and fencing are pending.