High-risers around Bellandur lake may be in trouble as effluents sample sent for lab
- 8 teams inspected 58 spots, collected samples from apartments, hospitals and commercial complexes
- Following results, water and power connection will be cut, as per the NGT orders
- Joint investigation committee will continue inspection for two more days
- San City, Embassy Prestige, Euphoria and Shobha apartments comes under scrutiny
FollowThe samples of effluents from apartments surrounding Bellandur lake have been sent to lab for test and after the results, appropriate action will be taken as per National Green Tribunal (NGT), said Lakshman, director, State Pollution Control Board. A joint investigation committee consisting officials of Karnataka Pollution Control Board and BWSSB inspected the apartments, hospitals and commercial complexes surrounding Bellandur lake on Thursday.
Eight teams visited 58 spots and collected 28 samples and sent for lab test. The results will come within a week, following which time for installing STP will be given. If that is not adhered to, then water and power connections will be cut off. The investigation teams found that in some apartments STP is not installed and where installed were are not functioning properly. Samples from those plants that are working efficiently are collected for testing.
Sanctity, Embassy Prestige, Euphoria and Sobha and other apartments were inspected. Instructions are being given to utilise the treated water for gardening. Short term and long terms solutions are also advised. The joint investigation committee will continue its visits on Friday and Saturday also. Each team consists of two officials from Pollution Control Board and one official from BWSSB.
Application withdrawn
The application submitted to NGT by some industries surrounding Bellandur lake questioning the notice issued by State Pollution Control Board instructing them to close down works have withdrawn their application, following assurance that a joint investigation committee would inspect their establishments and provided the effluent is within the allowed limits, they would be permitted to continue their works.
The joint investigation committee will inspect around 490 factories surrounding Bellandur Lake. Meanwhile, the advocate representing the NGO Namma Bengaluru Foundation alleged that the closure orders issued by the Tribunal instructing all factories discharging effluents into the Bellandur Lake to be closed, is not being implemented by the government appropriately. Justice Raghvendra Rathore instructed the NGO to file a detailed application in this regard. The next hearing is posted for July 13. The joint investigation committee will have to file a report consisting the details of action taken by the Pollution Control Board and the permissions granted by the State government for these industries to continue operations to the Bench.
