India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru now has a visual spot which might soon become a tourist destination depicting the deterioration of a city. Bellandur lake in the capital of Karnataka has now gone from foam to fire as toxic smoke choked the whole city. This is the third main instance when the lake caught fire and the authorities do not seem to have any clue on how to curb this menace triggered due to illegal dumping of the debris. Bengaluru, once a city well-known for its interconnected lake system, appears to be paying the price of development. Factories waste and general sewage have led to extreme levels of water pollution in how much ever lakes are left in the city.

According to reports, the lake catches fire because of the phosphorus and oil on the surface. Now the city’s largest lake is spilling over because of the snowy froth filled with harmful chemicals. The toxic froth is caused by allowing untreated sewage water to flow into the lakes. It spills over onto roads and into drains around the lakes. Residents have kept on knocking at the government’s doors due to the health issues they have been facing apart from the pungent smell all around, but clearly, adequate measures have not been taken.

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The lethargic attitude of the authorities has led some of the residents to take actions on their own as they believe that if the issue is not taken care of, the city will be unlivable soon. Some of the residents claim that the problem at the lake has been present for more than two decades, but has only elevated due to urbanisation.

These issues also lead to poor visibility on roads, and motorists risk skidding while riding. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), or the Municipal Corporation in the city, is responsible in the region where the Bellandur lake falls in.

Additionally, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is currently the custodian of the water body for its rejuvenation. But BDA feels that there is no point in restoring a like if sewage water is not stopped to enter the lake. Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), meanwhile is in charge of diversion of sewage water, which clearly it has not been able to do.