Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Central City Corporation (BCCC) has proposed declaring Ulsoor Lake a wetland as authorities intensify efforts to protect the waterbody from pollution.
The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting of a committee chaired by Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Uma Mahadevan. Officials presented details of completed works and proposed measures involving various civic corporations to keep the lake clean.
28 properties found discharging sewage
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) informed the committee that 28 properties, including eight industries, seven hospitals and four commercial establishments, were discharging sewage into its sewer network with permission.
The authorities are also examining measures to prevent untreated or inadequately treated wastewater from reaching the lake.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has suggested increased chlorination of treated sewage to maintain the quality of water in the lake. It has also directed the Greater Bengaluru Authority to regularly clean storm water drains, install additional trash barriers and increase the number of wetlands to help absorb nutrients.
Rs 9.6 crore allocated for desilting
The Minor Irrigation Department has allocated Rs 9.6 crore for desilting Ulsoor Lake. Several other works have also been proposed to improve the condition of the waterbody.
Officials have installed trash barriers and floating gardens in the lake. A real-time water quality monitoring system has also been installed by the corporation after the KSPCB failed to put one in place.
The accumulated silt in the sedimentation tank has been removed, while work is under way on a new reinforced cement concrete immersion pond.
Slaughterhouse project proposed
As a long-term measure, the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) has proposed constructing a slaughterhouse on Tannery Road at a cost of Rs 24 crore.
Officials said the project is intended to prevent effluents from the facility from polluting downstream water bodies, including Ulsoor Lake.
An effluent treatment plant has already been built to ensure wastewater from the slaughterhouse does not enter the drain. However, officials said the long-term plan faces several challenges and the detailed project report will require government approval.
Pollution case remains before tribunal
The pollution of Ulsoor Lake has also been the subject of legal proceedings. In November 2024, the Karnataka High Court remitted a case involving the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) back to the National Green Tribunal.
The High Court had set aside an environmental compensation of Rs 2.94 crore imposed on MEG, observing that the tribunal’s order had been passed without giving the organisation an opportunity of hearing.
The Urban Development Department has informed the tribunal that the compensation issue remains pending and that further government action will depend on the outcome of the case.
