From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 11: Deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara, who is also in charge home and Bengaluru development, promised to take steps to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to check the pollution of the lakes in the city.

Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with Bruhat Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike (BBMP) following a spot inspection of the Kaggadasapura and Bellandur lakes, he said the government will give priority to save the lakes from pollution and also encroachments.

Pointing out that Bengaluru city was known as a city of lakes as it had 300 to 350 lakes in different parts, he lamented that most of the lakes had vanished due to encroachment and constructions blocking the natural flow of storm water during monsoon and the damage to the ecosystem due to pollution.

Dr Parameshwara emphasised the need to check the indiscriminate flow of sewage water as also industrial effluents into the lakes that had harmed the quality of water. Safeguarding the lakes would also prevent flooding in low lying areas during heavy downpours, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that officials have been directed to identify a suitable place for installing a sewage treatment plant at Kaggadasapurualake and also to ensure that similar STPs were installed in other major lakes. The treated water should be put to effective use, he said.

He also mentioned that several industrial units around the Bellandurlake, which has been in the news of late due to frothing, have been served notice. Steps are being taken to rejuvenate the lake and prevent pollution, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister disclosed that he has directed the BBMP authorities to take immediate steps to release the payments due to the contractors towards garbage disposal besides clearing the wage arrears of pourakarmkias.