KSPCB to clean Bashettihalli Lake

BANGALORE: Keeping in  view the increasing pollution levels, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is now engaging itsefl in cleaning up the lakes as well. As a first step towards this effect, the Board along with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is taking up the project at Bashettihalli Lake on the outskirts of the city.Speaking to The New Indian Express about the project, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Chairman A S Sadashivaiah said, “This is a major step towards maintaining the lakes. Sewage inflow has been one major pollutant in this lake, besides discharge of effluent both industrial and domestic has been yet another cause. We spoke to the residents in and around the area and found that even the cattle left for grazing around the Bashettihalli Lake are being affected,” he added.The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)  to take up the project. It has already allotted a sum of `2 lakh which will be released phase-wise. Mode of studyReferring to the mode of study he said, “Students from various schools will be involved in this project. Initially an awareness programme for the local community will be conducted. Then, we will study the quality of water. Depending on the study, we will chalk out the plan of action for developing the lake.”Providing an option for keeping the  Bashettihalli Lake out of pollution Sadashiviah said, “The lake is close to a textile industry in Doddaballapur which is hardly about six kms away and the industry is has a commom Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). So with an understanding along with the industry the waste water flowing into the lake can be diverted to the ETP.”The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s observations had found that only eight of the 55 lakes in and around the city had a relatively less polluted, the reason for which was bad sanitation system in the city. “We will be discussing the issue with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Depending on the result, we will be conducting a similar study for other lakes also,” Sadashivaiah said.