Shame: Sewage choking Bengaluru's only bird sanctuary

When the State government had announced in April 2015 that 37 acres in the Yelahanka area of Bengaluru would be a bird sanctuary hosting migratory birds, the decision elicited widespread praise. However, since then, the area around Puttenahalli Lake has seen little development other than an increase in the dumping of sewage.

Rare species such as spot-billed pelican, Eurasian spoonbill, painted storks and other migratory birds from the Southern Himalayas and Siberia come to the area to breed. However, the unchecked flow of sewage will destroy the lake’s ecosystem and deter the birds’ arrival.

Read also: Despite CM's promises, Puttenahalli lake on death bed

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been the villain in this issue due to its failure to regulate the flow of sewage. "The sewage inflow increased as two more manholes were built in the lake area. The BWSSB was supposed to add a sewage treatment plant and let the treated water into the lake and ₹12.5 crore was sanctioned for this; but this has not taken off. Once the lake is developed, it will attract tourists," said Puttaswamy, president of the Citizen Forum, Yelahanka New Town.

Another resident said the BWSSB had diverted all the sewage from the newly formed Attur Layout into the lake and hence the sewage flow increased. As the officials delayed executing the lake development project, hyacinths and other weeds have covered the entire lake area. "The birds that thrive on fish and other organisms are finding it difficult to get food. The untreated sewage releases poisonous substances, which kills fish and hence there will be shortage of food for these birds. If the lake is not rejuvenated, the migratory birds will stop coming," the resident added.

BWSSB Chief Engineer Ramakrishna, who is responsible for building the sewage treatment plant and diverting the sewage from entering the lake, said corrective work will be taken up soon.

• Bengaluru
• bird sanctuary
• BWSSB
• wildlife