The long-awaited supply of drinking water from the Thippagondanahalli reservoir to the residents of Bangalore has hit a distressing obstacle. Recent findings have revealed that the water flowing into the reservoir has turned an ominous black, rendering it unsuitable for any form of consumption. The dark hue is a direct consequence of severe pollution stemming from multiple industrial units encroaching on the river channel and its buffer zones.
In a 2015 report from the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) of the Forest Department, the water from the TG Halli reservoir was classified as unfit for use, falling under the E-category due to alarming levels of contamination. Despite this warning, the encroachment of industrial and residential spaces persists, perpetuating the issue.
Efforts are underway by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to employ advanced technology for the treatment of this contaminated water, with the intention of making it potable for the city’s residents. However, concerns are mounting regarding the feasibility of such a task, considering the high levels of pollutants, including coliform bacteria, which exceed safety standards. Experts in the field emphasize the impossibility of rendering the water safe for consumption, given the extent of its contamination.
The State Pollution Control Board’s recent report in August 2023 further highlighted the severity of the crisis, designating most of the lakes in the Thippagondanahalli basin as E-class, signifying their complete unsuitability for any purpose. As the polluted water continues to converge into the Thippagondanahalli reservoir through the Arkavathi river, the urgency of addressing this critical environmental issue has become more pronounced than ever.
