Bengaluru: KSPCB shuts 24 industries around Bellandur Lake

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued closure notices to 24 industries located around the Bellandur Catchment Area for discharging chemical effluents into the lake.  According to inside sources, close to 30 industries have been shut, out of which 24 have been shut on Wednesday alone. An inspection team, headed by the senior division Environment Officer-N.Laxman, has also been set up. The team is responsible for keeping a close eye on the activities surrounding the waterbody. 

Meanwhile, the KSPCB issued notices to industries that cause pollution under Section 33(1) of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1974. The industries that have been shut include Askco Prints, Tafe Access, Suraksha Car Care, Pooja Industries and Lathangi Motors. It has also planned to take strict action against industries that lead to the pollution of the lake. Meanwhile, KSPCB chairman V.V Laxman said, “We are waiting for further orders from the National Green Tribunal to show us the way forward."

Meanwhile, on a 3-day de-weeding operation at the Bellandur lake, two earth movers are being used to clear the debris and create a path to allow boats to get into the lake. A flat-bottomed boat or a barge is being transported from Mumbai, which will help in de-weeding the middle of the lake.

The trailer from Mumbai is expected to arrive here on Friday. Inside sources say that the barge will be stationed on the southern part of the lake. Although the original contract of de-weeding the lake has specified 3 months to de-weed the lake, but it might take longer. After de-weeding the lake, the water will be sent Koramangala-Challaghatta valley for treatment. It will then be sent to Kolar to fill up the lakes and for agricultural purpose. Pipes are also being laid for the purpose. 

• karnataka
• SOUTH
• bellandur lake