The National Green Tribunal on Monday ordered the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to issue a directive to all 99 apartment complexes discharging sewage into Bellandur and Varthur lakes to install modular sewage treatment plants in the available space without posing a threat to structural safety.
The NGT’s principal bench was hearing the matter pertaining to the status of the highly polluted Bellandur and Varthur lakes when it passed the interim order based on the state’s action plan on reviving the water bodies. Recently, a 30-hour blaze had reduced grass and weeds around parts of Bellandur Lake to the cinder.
The bench said a strict vigil be maintained on industrial pollutants or effluents entering Bellandur, Agara, and Varthur lakes — part of Koramangala-Challaghatta valley, a natural system that carries excess rainwater away from the city.
Citing the government’s claim that macrophytes (dry floating grass and hyacinth) were the cause of the recent blaze, the bench directed physical removal of all such weeds and ordered a compliance report be placed every month before it.
The tribunal gave directions that an action plan must be chalked out for the revival of Varthur and Agara lakes. The bench ordered an action plan regarding disposal of solid municipal and other waste be placed before it.
The next hearing of the case is on February 28.
NGT has sought monthly reports on removal of weeds from lakes
Need action plan to revive Varthur, Agara lakes: NGT