The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has certified 19 buildings in the Mahadevapura zone as illegal, prompting action from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The KSPCB will inspect these sites to ensure untreated wastewater is not being discharged into local lakes, particularly Yelemallappa Shetty Lake.
According to KSPCB sources, the buildings in question have reportedly exceeded their approved number of kitchen and bathroom units, leading to improper wastewater management. A senior KSPCB officer stated, ‘These buildings have added more kitchen and bathroom units than approved, resulting in untreated wastewater flowing into Yelemallappa Shetty Lake. We will take measures to halt this discharge following our inspection.’
An official from the KSPCB’s Mahadevapura environmental office noted that some buildings in the Basavanapura ward are particularly problematic. ‘Certain buildings, which were approved for four kitchen units, now have 15-20 units and 30 bathrooms, all contributing to wastewater entering the lake,’ the official explained. The KSPCB plans to complete its inspections in September and will hold the responsible parties accountable, including potentially filing FIRs against them.
A volunteer involved in lake rejuvenation efforts welcomed the forthcoming inspections. The volunteer reported ongoing issues with construction debris and animal carcasses entering the lake, and criticized the minor irrigation department and BWSSB for their inaction. Despite a Rs 120 crore state grant for rejuvenating Madiwala and Yelemallappa Shetty lakes, issues with lake fencing remain unresolved.
