Sheelavantha Lake, once one of the city’s cleanest, is now plagued by a severe sewage influx, creating an unhygienic and distressing situation. The lake, rejuvenated eight years ago, has suffered from the failure of the BBMP Lakes Department to maintain it.
Recent heavy rains caused stormwater drains, meant to carry only rainwater, to overflow and bring sewage into the lake. Residents report that this contamination has led to a foul smell and deterred visitors. The degradation of Sheelavantha Lake highlights the urgent need for improved maintenance and infrastructure to preserve the city’s water bodies. A resident of Nallurahalli comments, “We have been complaining to the BBMP Lakes Department for the last two years about sewage entering into the lake through the stormwater drain but nothing has been done till now. I informed the BBMP Lakes Department engineer about the need to replace the broken sewage pipe to prevent sewage from entering the lake, but the engineer cited a shortage of funds. I used to visit the lake for a walk but now I have stopped going there because of the unhygienic atmosphere at the lake.”
Another added that there was a plan to construct a sewage treatment plant, but the officials did not cooperate. “Sheelavantha Lake could be a beautiful place if the BBMP authorities maintained it properly. They need to take measures to stop sewage from entering the lake.” Meanwhile, BBMP Executive Engineer (Lakes) Bhuprada has said the stormwater drain carried stagnant dirty (accumulated in the drain before it rained) water along with rainwater into the lake. “We have prepared an estimate for laying new pipes to divert sewage. The tender will be floated after the moral code of conduct ends,” said the BBMP executive engineer.
