Hennagara Lake pollution continues as NGT awaits reports

The National Green Tribunal has yet again deferred its hearing on the persistent pollution of Hennagara Lake in Bengaluru, as it awaits compliance reports from the Karnataka government and civic agencies. The lake, located on the outskirts of the city, has been a hotspot for environmental violations, with untreated sewage and industrial effluents flowing into its waters for years.

Complaints pile up as lake condition worsens

Local residents and environmental activists have been raising the alarm over the deteriorating state of Hennagara Lake. They allege that the Bangalore Development Authority, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board have failed to enforce existing regulations.

“The lake is dying a slow death. Every monsoon, the situation gets worse,” a resident told reporters earlier this month. The water body, once a source of irrigation for nearby farms, now emits a foul smell and has turned dark green due to algal blooms, a sign of severe nutrient pollution.

NGT's repeated directions remain unheeded

The tribunal had earlier directed the state government to submit a comprehensive action plan for the lake's rejuvenation. It also sought a report on the steps taken to stop the inflow of sewage and industrial waste. However, authorities have missed multiple deadlines, leading to the latest adjournment.

In its last order, the NGT had warned that it would impose a hefty fine on the responsible departments if they failed to comply. The tribunal is expected to hear the matter again in August.

What the reports are expected to cover

The pending reports are supposed to detail the sources of pollution, the volume of untreated waste entering the lake, and the timeline for setting up sewage treatment plants. Officials are also expected to disclose whether any industrial units in the catchment area have been penalised for illegal discharge.

Environmentalists point out that similar orders have been passed for other lakes in Bengaluru—such as Bellandur and Varthur—but compliance has been patchy. “The pattern is the same. Orders are passed, reports are delayed, and the lakes continue to suffer,” said a city-based activist.

The bigger picture for Bengaluru's lakes

Hennagara Lake is one of hundreds of water bodies in and around Bengaluru that have been severely degraded due to rapid urbanisation. The city's once-extensive network of interconnected lakes has been fragmented by real estate development, encroachments, and unchecked waste dumping.

Experts say that without strict enforcement and community involvement, the situation will only worsen. The NGT's role has been pivotal in bringing attention to these issues, but delays in compliance weaken its impact.

The next hearing will determine whether the state government has finally submitted the required documents. Until then, the lake's fate hangs in the balance.