Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published on 21.11.2021 in the Indian Express titled “Lakes of Bengaluru : Industrial effluents, raw sewage; stinky tale of Chandrapura lake” dated March 29, 2022. The matter related to damage to the Chandrapura lake and failure of statutory regulators to take remedial action. The media report mentions that the buffer zone of the lake has been encroached upon and waste is being dumped into the lake. It is choked by encroachments and affected by effluents and waste.

Report of the joint Committee, March 24, 2022 said that the bore well samples collected show higher levels of NO3. In some cases, higher levels of the NH3, SO4 and hardness were also found. This indicates that the bore well samples should be treated before using it for drinking purposes. In drain water samples, Zinc and Fe were found, again indicating the presence of industrial effluent.

The CPCB report shows that water of the lake is being polluted by different sources, including the sewage and industrial pollution, particularly effluents from pharma industries. According to the Joint Committee, the trade effluents could be from M/s. Kumar Organic Products Ltd. There is concentration of COD and also zinc and other heavy metals.

The NGT directed the Chief Secretary, Karnataka to forthwith hold a meeting with the concerned authorities particularly the District Magistrates, Bengaluru Urban, KIADB, State Wetland Authority, Karnataka State PCB and the Environment Department. In the said meeting outline of action plan be discussed which may be finalised within one month with the assistance of such experts/institutions as may be identified with a view to ensure rehabilitation of the lake in a time bound manner. Action to be taken may include removal of encroachments, closing the sources of pollution and fixing accountability for the past violations of ‘Polluter Pays’ principle and also by way of prosecution/other coercive action.