Kolar farmers fume over green water flowing into canal

BENGALURU: Discharge of water from the polluted Bellandur and Varthur lakes to waterbodies in Kolar is making news for the wrong reasons again.
Farmers in and around Narasapura in Kolar were seething when they noticed dirty water flowing into Narasapura canal — which connects Narasapura Lake and Doddabavali Lake — on Wednesday. Foul smell was emanating from the water, which was green in colour, they claimed.
In its endeavour to clean Bellandur and Varthur lakes, the government in July began to release treated water from these lakes to Kolar as part of the Koramangala-Chellaghatta Valley project. The water passes through four key lakes, Lakshmisagar, Uddapanhalli, Jodi Krishnapura and Narasapura.
“Though scientists have told us not to drink this water, we don’t have a choice but to consume it,” said Anjaneya Reddy, a resident and social activist from Kolar.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) conducted a study which said the water contained traces of heavy metal and nutrients and could lead to ill health if consumed. But the report issued by the minor irrigation department contradicted the institute’s claims.
Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary (urban development), said the water is not for consumption. “Nevertheless, the minor irrigation department checks the quality before it is pumped,” he added.
Villagers said government agencies, including Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Karnataka Pollution Control Board and the irrigation department are indulging in a blame game instead of addressing the problem.