Bengaluru’s Varthur lake spews toxic foam all across city

Bengaluru's Varthur lake started frothing with heavy rains and as flood waters spilled onto the roads, strong winds have now strewn the toxic froth all across the city, including nearby schools and hospitals, say reports. 

The chemical deposits lying latent in the lake started frothing with the monsoon rains and the froath that spilled over to nearby roads has reportedly affected traffic in the weekend. With monsoon progressing fast, residents living in the area are demanding the government to take appropriate measures to stop the lake from foaming.

With heavy rains lashing Bengaluru over the weekend, residents living close to the Varthur lake woke up to 'chemical snowfall'.

A wire mesh built around the lake's periphery did not stop the froth from enveloping the nearby areas.

Speaking with the Deccan Herald, Pravir Bargodia, a member of the Whitefield Rising Group, said it was for the first time that the froth reached the Columbia Asia Hospital. He said the foam was disrupting traffic, making it difficult for commuters.

BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh visited the area on Saturday and listened to the residents' grievances. Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, urban development department, told the DH that he would inspect the area. More sprinklers will be added to control the froth, he said.

Industrial pollution, dumping of debris and solid waste in Bengaluru lakes has led to most them turning toxic. In February, Bellandur lake, the city's largest water body, caught fire and it took nearly four hours to put it out.