Lokayukta takes suo motu case over polluted lakes in Doddaballapur

Karnataka Lokayukta moved to the next level suo motu Case against administrative officers, including the collector, deputy directors and other executive officers of Doddaballapur taluk, for not keeping lakes within their jurisdiction and not allowing discharge of industrial waste.

The order specifically listed Doddatumakuru Lake and Chikkatumakuru Lake, spread over 326 acres and 75 acres respectively, noting that both water bodies are extremely polluted. In the decision, it was stated that the sewage treatment facilities built in two lakes in 2017 did not work scientifically.

It has been observed that treated and untreated sewage of Doddaballapur mixes with industrial waste generated by 52 industries in Bashettihalli and eventually flows into these lakes.

The Arkavathi River, originating from the Nandi Hills, flows into Doddaballapur in an unpolluted state. However, industrial wastewater and sewage of Doddaballapur town enters the river and pollutes the water body. The contaminated water then flows into two lakes and eventually reaches Hesaraghatta and Tippagondanahalli before flowing into Bengaluru.

The order issued by B. Veerappa of Upalokayukta-2 stated that the authorities did not take remedial measures to stop the flow of wastewater.