Effective Measures to Prevent Sewage Inflow into Lakes: Maheshwar Rao

Bengaluru Express

Bengaluru, August 5: Press Release:

Effective Measures to Prevent Sewage Inflow into Lakes: Maheshwar Rao

Bengaluru, August 4:

In a move to effectively control the inflow of sewage into the lakes of Bengaluru, Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials of the BWSSB to take appropriate action.

Addressing a meeting held on Monday at the Chief Commissioner’s office in the head office, which focused on the control of sewage inflow and the development of lakes in the city, the Chief Commissioner instructed officials from both the BBMP and the BWSSB to implement concrete measures to prevent sewage from entering the lakes.

He emphasized the need to identify lakes currently receiving sewage inflow and to construct diversion lines in such areas to redirect the sewage away from the water bodies. Due to the discharge of sewage from nearby drains, both the walking paths around lakes are being damaged and contaminated water is flowing directly into the lakes. Immediate repair works should be undertaken to address this, he said.

It was also noted that some individuals are illegally discharging sewage into storm water drains, leading to contamination of the lakes. The Chief Commissioner directed that such violators be identified and legal action be taken against them. Furthermore, the BWSSB has been tasked with addressing issues of sewage overflow from manholes located near lakes.

He instructed that a comprehensive assessment be conducted to identify the above challenges associated with lake development, to list the necessary actions required from both the BWSSB and the BBMP, and to set a clear timeline for the completion of related works.

Strict Measures to Prevent Waste Disposal in Lakes:

He highlighted that garbage is being dumped into the city’s storm water drains, which eventually finds its way into the lakes. He called for immediate and effective intervention by the storm water drain division to prevent waste from reaching the lakes.

Expedite Completion of STPs:

The Chief Commissioner also emphasized the need to accelerate the completion of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) being constructed across the city by the BWSSB. Speeding up these projects will enable the release of treated water into the lakes, thereby reducing contamination levels.

The Chief Commissioner also directed the Chief Engineer (SWD) to conduct a survey of outlet drains for lakes where they are currently missing. This task must be completed within the next 15 days on a priority basis.

Further, the Chief Commissioner instructed to explore the possibility of installing trash barriers along the SWDs to prevent the accumulation of floating debris at lake inlets.

The meeting was attended by Special Commissioner Preeti Gehlot, Zonal Commissioners Ramesh, Ramya, and Digvijay Bodke, Chief Operating Officer Ramamani, Chief Engineers Vijay Kumar Haridas and Rajesh, as well as senior officials from the BBMP, BWSSB, and Pollution Control Board.