[ad_1]
Located in R R Nagar, the Andrahalli lake is spread over an area of 16.6 acre. It is connected to Laxmipura, Chikkabanavara, Dasarahalli, Doddabidarakallu, Herohalli, Narasappanakere, Hosakere, Nallakadirenahalli, Shivapura and Madavara lakes.
A stormwater drain is present on the eastern side of the lake. During heavy showers, the drain overflows and sewage enters the lake. Due to the entry of sewage, weeds have grown in the lake. Solid waste is dumped into the lake directly and the walkway around the lake is in a dilapidated condition.
In a research paper published in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education in 2022, it was stated that an immediate action plan has to be implemented to assess and augment the lake water quality.
In February this year, the civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), had requested Rs 15.5 crore from the Urban Development Department (UDD) to develop Andrahalli lake. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
It also stated that the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the lake reveals pollution due to the discharge of untreated domestic waste from surrounding areas.
“Quality of the water has to be improved by employing numerous parameters like restricting inflow of sewage from residential areas and industries and preventing solid waste disposal by residential communities to the lake bed. Along with this, to increase the quality of lake water by desilting the lake bed and avoiding major encroachments for urban developments. Apart from this, Physical, Chemical and Biological treatment up to tertiary level can be considered and suitable remediation technologies can be adopted as a cost effective method for improving overall lake water quality,” the research added.
According to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) WQI data, Andrahalli lake is in Class E – which means that water is not suitable for drinking purposes.
Most Read
The lake was restored in 2018 by the BBMP. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
The lake was restored in 2018 by the BBMP. According to the official records of the BBMP, the lake was desilted, silt traps were installed, and a walkway and a bund were constructed. A fence around the lake was also installed. However, owing to the lack of maintenance and inflow of sewage, the condition of the lake worsened over the years.
In February this year, the civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), had requested Rs 15.5 crore from the Urban Development Department (UDD) to develop Andrahalli lake along with Dubsipalya, Ullal, and Lingadheeranahalli lakes. However, the UDD turned down the civic body’s request asking it to develop these lakes using its own resources.
“This lake is supposed to be developed. However, we are short of funds. Once we get funds, we will develop this again,” a senior BBMP official said.
[ad_2]
Source link
