Sewage water entering Kothanur Lake: Residents

Nischith N. | NT

The residents of Kothanur and surrounding areas have been working towards improving the condition of the Kothanur Lake, and the BBMP recently revived the water body and local residents took active part in it.

However, their joy was short-lived. They allege that now sewage water was entering the water body, thanks to the apathy of civic officials.

B.R. Shivaswamy, president of the Kothanur Lake Development Association, told News Trail, “It is all because of the RJR and KLV Layout that has diverted the sewage water to the road side. Every time they divert, the sewage from the nearby drain overflows onto the road right in front of the lake and engulfs over 400 metres. We residents have made repeated complaints to the local body and BWSSB about the sewage water, but no action has been taken.”

Kothanur Lake is spread over 19 acres and has a cycling track around the lake. It is frequented by morning and evening walkers and joggers and this lake is fenced, which is covered around the entire Lake.

Dr Akshatha B.K., who lives next to the lake, says it is so difficult to walk on the road with this sewage overflowing. “We residents have a habit of morning walk in this lake and it was in good condition all these years. Also we have one association and take up the cleaning activity, but support from the officials is very less. This problem was raised five days ago but till today no action has been taken by the officials. In these five days the water quality will be spoiled”.

According to the reports, Bescom had taken up cabling work and ended up damaging a sewage line attached to RJR and KLV layouts.

Reacting on the issue BWSSB AE, Nagaraj says “There is no fault from our side as the work done by the Bescom for cabling ended up damaging the sewage pipeline. So we have identified the issue and are working on it and will be cleared in one or two days”.

The local Kothanur Lake Development Association is very active as every year the association conducts an awareness campaign around the lake, urging the public not to litter the shore. They also took an oath with the slogan don’t throw garbage and don’t allow others to throw.