Allalasandra Lake located in Yelahanka will soon get a makeover. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP) officials at a recent meeting with the local residents said measures would be taken to improve the waterbody.
Palike representatives – MLA of Yelahanka Constituency, S R Vishwanath, local corporators of different wards of the constituency, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board ( BWSSB) officials were present at the meeting organised by Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA), Members of YUVA and residents suggested various rejuvenation measures such as converting the lake into a picnic spot, undertaking weed removal activity among others.
Vishwanath said he will discuss the issues in the coming Palike council meeting and take steps on a priority basis."
A total of Rs 8 crore was sanctioned under the Palike budget one and half year back for the development of lake. Activities such as fencing, desilting, survey of the lake and fencing, setting up walking track, and pathway lighting has been completed at Rs 6 crore. The other suggested works including installing children equipments would be undertaken within four months of time at the cost of remaining Rs 2 crore."
Stinking woes
Residents staying close to lake maintain that for the last two years, the water body has been stinking and polluted due to the sewage flow. Jagadeesh Giri, a resident and member of the association said: “The nearby apartments have, illegally, connected their sewage pipelines to the Storm Water Drainage (SWD),that is in turn connected to lake. The latter is supposed to carry only rainwater. However, due to the sewage connection, the lake is polluted completely giving out a foul smell.”
The association members maintained that BBMP Commissioner M Laxminarayana and BWSSB authorities visited the spot in the month of October. During their inspection, the authorities informed the residents that a separate pipeline would be put up to carry the sewage water of the apartments and deviated from SWD.
However, the work is yet to start, the members added.
"The foul smell emanating from the lake has forced the nearby residents to close their windows. Allalasandra lake stretching upto 2.2 km has the potential to be the wonderful picnic spot. It is upto civic agencies to solve the problems," said B M Narayana, a resident.