BENGALURU: The 18-acre Kothanur Lake near JP Nagar is facing a severe pollution threat as monsoon approaches.
Wastewater and solid waste, particularly plastic, have been steadily flowing into this historic waterbody, with local authorities seemingly inactive in addressing the issue. This influx of pollutants has caused rapid algae and vegetation growth along the lake’s perimeter, raising significant concerns among residents about potential overflow during the monsoon season. The overflow could pose substantial health and environmental hazards to nearby residential areas.
Residents have been urging the authorities to take immediate action to avert an impending environmental disaster. The gravity of the situation was highlighted last February when numerous dead fish were found in the lake, a direct result of high pollution levels. A local resident explained that water from the surrounding drains feeds into the lake, contributing to its current polluted state.
“Kothanur is situated in a low-lying area, with many residential and commercial establishments discharging wastewater into the drains that flow into the lake. Although the pollution control board attempted to tackle the issue, their efforts were in vain. Many commercial establishments have closed the drains, obscuring the water’s source, but the stench is unmistakable,” he said.
Another resident criticised the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for its poor management of the lake. “The city’s growth was underestimated, and the BBMP did not establish proper regulations back then, allowing people to build homes without considering future implications. Now, residents are dealing with the consequences of poorly constructed drains,” she remarked.
She further added, “Due to substandard underground drainage work and the indifferent attitude of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and BBMP, sewage is flowing into the lake. Instead of arguing about responsibility, someone needs to step up and resolve the issue.”
A senior BWSSB official commented that their inspections have confirmed that sewage is not entering the lake through the pipes but through an unidentified channel. “We cannot halt sewage flow without identifying the source. This is what residents need to understand. Nevertheless, we will collaborate with the lake development authority to manage the issue more effectively and prevent further sewage inflow into the lake,” the official stated.
As the monsoon season nears, the urgency to address Kothanur Lake’s pollution problem becomes increasingly critical. Effective intervention is required to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the local community and preserve one of Bengaluru’s historic waterbodies. The collaboration between various authorities and proactive measures will be vital in mitigating the risks posed by the polluted lake.
