National Green Tribunal
Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake And Bird ... vs State Of Karnataka on 25 November, 2025
Item No.07:
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI
[Through Physical Hearing (Hybrid Option)]
Original Application No. 191 of 2024(SZ) &
I.A. Nos. 71 & 164 of 2024(SZ)
IN THE MATTER OF:
Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird
Conservation Trust (Regd.)
...Applicant(s)
Versus
State of Karnataka and Ors.
...Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 25.11.2025.
CORAM:
HON'BLE Smt. JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE DR. PRASHANT GARGAVA, EXPERT MEMBER
For Applicant(s): Mrs. Aswini Vaidialingam represented
Mr. Abdul Azeem Kalebudde.
For Respondent(s): Mr. Rajat Jonathan Shaw represented
Mr. K.M. Darpan for R1, R3, R4, R6 to R8.
Mr. T.V. Sekar for R2.
Ms. Rashi Singh represented
Mr. Mahesh Chowdhary for R5.
M/s. R. Nandhini for R9.
M/s. G. Krishnakumar, N.M. Pruthviraj,
P.J. Keerthika & I.Vedhagirinath for R10.
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ORDER
1. Our earlier order dated 29.08.2025 had recorded that, out of 600 meters of hume pipe laying, an extent of 475 meters had already been completed. It was also recorded that the work was expected to be completed by the end of September 2025.
2. However, in the report of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) dated 24.11.2025, it is stated that the team surveyed the entire 12.6-kilometer Puttenahalli catchment area and that the design of the network is under progress. It is further stated that the work will be completed within 4 to 5 months, thereby arresting the entry of sewage.
3. The report further states that the pipeline-laying work of 600 meters out of 600 meters has been completed and that, out of 15 manholes, 12 have already been completed, with only 3 manholes remaining, which are stated to be completed within 10 to 15 days.
4. Meanwhile, the lateral network, which is required to connect to the main sewage line, is yet to be addressed by the BWSSB, though it is stated to be underway. Once the said lateral network connection is provided, the work will be completed.
5. The BWSSB has been providing timelines for completion in a piecemeal manner. While laying the main Page 2 of 4 pipeline, the lateral pipelines should also have been laid and the issues ought to have been addressed comprehensively.
6. Once again, we point out that, until the work is completed and the sewage network is fully functional, none of the authorities have explained as to how the sewage generated on a daily basis is being managed. Admittedly, these residences are located upstream.
7. The learned counsel appearing for the applicant has produced photographs and filed an additional report stating that Puttenahalli Lake is saturated with sewage.
8. The learned counsel appearing for the BBMP also submitted that the existing sewage treatment facility at the end of Yelahanka Lake is insufficient and that a new sewage treatment plant is under construction.
9. In such circumstances, it would be appropriate for all the concerned departments to coordinate and complete the project at the earliest to avoid further damage to the lakes. From the photographs filed by the applicant, it appears that even if sewage treatment is addressed, rejuvenation of the lakes would be next to impossible.
10. As the matter is of utmost importance and is being delayed, we direct the Member Secretary of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, who is already a party before us, to Page 3 of 4 monitor the progress and file a report at each hearing until completion of the entire work.
11. Let the matter be listed on 30.01.2026.
Sd/-
Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, JM Sd/-
Dr. Prashant Gargava, EM O.A. No.191/2024(SZ) & I.A. Nos.71& 164/2024(SZ) 25th November, 2025. AD.
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