This decision has stirred up concern among city-based researchers and experts, who argue that it could prove disastrous to the ongoing rejuvenation process.
Rejuvenation of Varthur Lake was to begin in January 2021 along with Bellandur Lake revival but got delayed by three months as there was a delay in identifying location for dumping silt removed from the waterbodies.
On January 17, the BBMP initiated a tender process, inviting bidders to supply raw leachate to agricultural land from the Seegehalli Wet Waste Processing Plant, with an estimated cost of Rs 83.16 lakh. The deadline for submitting tender forms is January 25.
“It is difficult to commute on most roads in and around Varthur, Hoody, Whitefield and other areas due to the potholes and the craters. We have been complaining to the authorities concerned about the bad condition of the roads, but nothing has been done to date to fix this problem,” said Jagadeesh Reddy of Varthur Rising.
A senior Railway official told BM, “The vent was created to allow water to flow. Earlier, the stretch used to be closed for vehicular traffic and it was opened at the request of local leaders. But whenever it rains and there is waterlogging, the blame is on the Railways. We have now decided to close the stretch permanently even on non-rainy days. We have erected big signages and blocked the entry for motorists.”