Five major lakes of Bengaluru polluted beyond recognition
Here is a list of five lakes of Bengaluru that have set the alarm bells ringing and need immediate attention.
FollowA massive fire broke out in the vicinity of Mahadevapura lake on January 3. The lake is in the vicinity of Baghmane World Trade Centre and poses danger to the lives of thousands of people. Though people are well aware of Bellandur lake and its pollution, there are other lakes too that are equally polluted and need immediate attention. Here is a list of five lakes that are in utmost danger.
1) Mahadevapura lake
Mahadevapura lake is spread across 22 acre land. There is no sewage treatment plant in the lake premises. The lake houses four inlet points and one outlet. Of the four inlets, which carry sewage, three overflow into the lake during rainy season. Remaining one point enters directly into the wetland area. The lake is also full of plastic and waste.
2) Bellandur lake
This lake can also be called 'fiery' lake as it has caught fire more than three times due to the toxic foam covering the surface of the entire water body. Situated in the suburb of Bellandur, the lake was used for landing amphibious aircraft during the British rule. The lake is a receptor of three chains of lakes upstream, and has a catchment area of about 148 square kilometres (37,000 acres). Water from this lake flows further east to the Varthur lake, from where it flows down the plateau and eventually into the Pinakani river basin. Currently, not a drop of water can be seen due to the thick layer of foam formed due to poisonous industry wastes flowing into the lake.
3) Kundalahalli lake, Brookefield Layout
This is a 30.5 acre lake with three inlets that pump poisonous sewage. With no fencing, the lake land has been encroached upon. A 100-ft hillock of construction debris has come up adjacent to the lake, and no action has been taken to vacate the building.
4) Horamavu Agara Kere, Horamavu
Horamavu Agara Kere is situated in a 50.34 acre land in north Bengaluru. Despite fencing, it is being used  as dump yard by the residents. Untreated sewage, garbage, and construction debris are found here and no one can even believe that it is a lake site. The natural inlet and outlet drains of the lake are blocked. If not dealt with immediately, there will soon be no trace of this lake.
5) Kaikondrahalli lake, Sarjapura road
Kaikondrahalli lake was once called the most beautiful lake in Bengaluru. The lake has turned into a marshland, thanks to rampant construction. However, in 2009, the residents of Sarjapura road formed an organisation to formally manage the affairs of the lake and approached the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). It needs to be maintained and the state should take responsibility and save the lakes of the city.
