BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued show-cause notices to six apartment complexes and an educational institution in Anekal for polluting Shikaripalya Lake.
The affected properties include Sarovar Apartment, Shree Nandana Elite Apartment Residents Welfare Association, Sree Balaji Nest Apartment, Thirumala Residency Apartment Residents, Happy Home Vivasvan Resident Association, Happy Home 2, and Zia Academy.
According to KSPCB, these apartments and the institution lack sewage treatment plants, resulting in domestic sewage being discharged directly into the lake.
The Board identified several contributing factors to the pollution of Shikaripalya Lake, including sewage flowing through stormwater drains, rapid urbanization, changes in land use, the absence of an underground drainage system, and direct discharges from local Gram Panchayath, which have led to a significant amount of sewage entering the lake.
KSPCB previously sent notices to some apartments with more than 20 units, instructing them to apply for consent and install sewage treatment plants. However, a January inspection revealed non-compliance; the apartments continued discharging sewage and had not installed STPs.
In Karnataka, it is mandatory for apartments with over 20 units or a built-up area exceeding 2,000 square meters to install STPs and obtain consent from KSPCB. Similarly, educational institutions with or without hostels and a built-up area of 5,000 square meters must comply with these requirements.
KSPCB reminded that failure to adhere to Sections 25 or 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, may result in imprisonment for a minimum of one year and six months, extending up to six years, along with a fine.
Shikaripalya Lake, spanning 18 acres and 39 guntas, came under scrutiny in 2022 when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took cognizance based on complaints regarding pollution and encroachment. Following this, NGT directed KSPCB to conduct thorough environmental audits and verify the installation of sewage treatment plants in the lake’s catchment area.
