The central pollution watchdog then directed the state pollution control board to take necessary measures for the remediation of these sites and communicate about actions taken in that direction. However, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has not even sketched a revival plan. The board is still gearing up to make its second attempt at getting the sites delisted.
However, if we take a step back and look at the source of water in the tank, we know that Vrishabhavathy River, which receives industrial and domestic effluents from the Peenya industrial area and downstream, discharges wastewater into Byramangala Tank. Despite receiving all kinds of effluents, the water body is categorised as fit for irrigation. This classification is based on a few parameters mentioned above that do not include toxic metals specific to the industries operating in the catchment.
The petition highlighted the need to issue closure orders and fines for industries polluting lakes within Bengaluru, especially for Bellandur Lake, as ordered by the NGT. Collect data on water quality, publish it in the public domain, and create and implement lake restoration and rejuvenation plans.
The Karnataka government’s proposal to combat climate change with a Rs 53,000-crore budget for 2020-2030 has been left on the shelf of the Union government for about a year, even as officials and activists warn that a lack of urgency in implementing the action plan will have a detrimental effect on the nature.