Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sevamrutha Aradhya Vs State of Karnataka dated 01/07/2020 regarding illegal constructions in the buffer zone of Kudlu Chikka Kere Lake in Bangalore South, Karnataka and maintenance of the lake by controlling polluting activities.

A report filed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on June 12, 2020 informed the Tribunal that the lake was filled with water and there was an increase in water collection in the lake as observed during the previous inspection on February 4, 2020.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities had stopped entry of sewage into the lake by providing barrier to the sewage channels/ storm water drains joining the lake at three points. The sewage was diverted from the lake to a newly constructed sewage treatment plant (STP) of capacity 500 KLD. The STP was working at the time of inspection and the treated sewage was being discharged into the lake.

The KSPCB report recommended that the Commissioner, BBMP should take action against the illegal constructions in the buffer area of Kudlu Chikka Kere lake. Further, necessary directions shall be issued from the Board Office to BBMP to stop the entry of sewage into the lake by providing permanent barricade/barrier at all the entry points into the lake."

The NGT directed the Commissioner, BBMP to take further action as per law and it would be overseen by the Secretary, Urban Development. Apart from remedial action of removing illegal constructions, compensation should also be assessed and recovered as per norms, following due procedure, the order said.