NGT Demands Accountability Over Bengaluru’s Toxic Lakes
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern warning to several Karnataka government agencies for their blatant inaction on the ongoing pollution crisis affecting Bengaluru’s lakes. The tribunal’s scathing remarks come after it took suo-motu cognisance of a report published by Bangalore Mirror, which highlighted alarming water quality levels in the city’s lakes. Despite being directed to respond, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) have failed to take any concrete action, prompting the tribunal to take a strong stance.
The issue first came to light in December 2023, when KSPCB released its monthly report detailing the water quality of 117 lakes and tanks in Bengaluru. Alarmingly, 12 of these lakes showed oxygen levels so low that they were deemed “below detection level,” rendering them dangerously polluted. Among the affected water bodies were Madiwala Lake, Herohalli, and Varthur, all of which showed oxygen concentrations below 0.3mg/l, far below the acceptable minimum of 4mg/l as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These lakes, critical for urban water management, also showed dangerously high levels of pathogens, including faecal coliform bacteria, with readings reaching an astonishing 23 million MPN/100ml, compared to the acceptable threshold of just 5,000 MPN/100ml. KSPCB’s analysis revealed that none of the 117 lakes met the minimum required water quality standards.
The tribunal’s criticism of the Karnataka authorities has been severe. Despite clear directives issued over a year ago, there has been no significant response from KSPCB or KTCDA, and BBMP’s submitted report was deemed defective. In its recent order, the NGT called out the authorities for their inability to address the crisis, highlighting that such neglect could exacerbate the environmental and public health hazards posed by these water bodies. The tribunal has now directed the agencies to submit detailed action plans by the next hearing date. If the authorities continue to fail in their responsibilities, NGT has warned of direct intervention.
From a civic standpoint, this ongoing environmental disaster paints a grim picture of the mismanagement of urban water resources in one of India’s fastest-growing cities. Bengaluru, known for its lakes and parks, faces a crisis that undermines the sustainability of its water systems and poses significant health risks to its residents. The city’s lakes, once vital for groundwater recharge and stormwater management, are now toxic cesspools, with severely compromised water quality endangering aquatic life and public health. The failure of government bodies to act decisively on these issues highlights systemic problems in urban governance and environmental management, raising questions about accountability and political will.
On the sustainability front, the neglect of Bengaluru’s lakes is a matter of deep concern. These water bodies, which have historically played a crucial role in maintaining the city’s ecological balance, are now at risk of irreversible damage. The contamination of lakes, coupled with a lack of effective management strategies, exacerbates Bengaluru’s water crisis. With a rapidly expanding urban population, the need for sustainable water management has never been more urgent. If the state authorities do not act swiftly to address these issues, Bengaluru’s water scarcity could worsen, and the environmental degradation may reach critical levels, affecting both the urban ecosystem and public health. The NGT’s intervention underscores the pressing need for timely and effective action to preserve the city’s natural resources for future generations.