Report filed by the Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) before the NGT in the matter of Suo Motu (based on the news item in Deccan Herald dated September 18, 2020 'Vrishabhavathi water turns frothy dark yellow') Vs Forest, Environment and Ecology Department, Government of Karnataka & Others. A storm water drain comes under Hemmigepura Ward No.198 of Yeshwanthapura Constiuency in Rajarajeshwarinagara zone of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

The drain starts from the Nice Road junction of Banashankari 6th stage Bengaluru Development Authority layout and joins Vrushubhavathi valley. In the month of October 2020 a complaint was received from local residents regarding change in the colour of the water that was flowing in the storm water drain stating that the colour has changed into yellow. On the basis of the complaint, an inspection was conducted and it was noticed that chemical effluent had been discharged illegally in the storm water drain.

The issue was brought to the notice of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officials and a watch and ward system was deployed by the BBMP to catch the culprits. Later on when the culprits came to dump the chemical effluents again in the storm water drain they were caught by the local residents, but the culprits managed to escape and photograph of the vehicles carrying effluents which were taken by the residents were sent to the BBMP by the residents.

BBMP is regularly cleaning the storm water drain and maintaining it and also taking steps to avoid such incidents, the report said.