Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of K. Vijayakumar, Madhavi Farms Vs State of Karnataka dated 15/03/2021.

The issue for consideration was remedial measures against degradation of Bhujangadasanahalli lake in Anekal taluk, Bangalore South.

Report filed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) stated that sewage was being dumped into the lake and there were encroachments in the catchment area. Considering the report, the Tribunal on November 26, 2019 directed remedial action by the KSPCB, in coordination with the Gram Panchayat of the area and filing of a further report.

A further report was filed by the KSPCB which mentioned that the lakes were inspected on March 4, 2021 and there was no disposal of any industrial effluent to the lake. In the earlier inspections, it was noticed that sewage/ sullage from the nearby villages was entering the Lake after stagnation in the low lying vacant area just about 200m from the lake towards the northern end of the lake.

Now, the entry of sewage has been completely stopped as the said low lying vacant area was leveled with soil by the owner of the land.

In view of the above mentioned facts, it was evident that as of now there was no intrusion of wastewater from any point sources to Bujangadasanahalli Lake. However, Gram Panchayath, Mantapa has to execute the requisite measure to treat the sewage generated from the villages of Mantapa Gram Panchayath scientifically at the earliest, according to the state PCB report.

The NGT said that no further orders were necessary at this stage except that the statutory authorities must ensure compliance of environmental norms.