KC Valley project: IISc report warns of heavy metal content in treated water

BENGALURU: The Indian Institute of Science’s study report on the quality of treated water from Bellandur sewage treatment plant supplied to Kolar, has revealed the high presence of heavy metal and nutrient content.

The report submitted to the High Court on Friday was prepared by a team of researchers led by Prof T V Ramachandra from Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc. The team carried out the study as a part of the researchers social responsibility in response to the requests of farmers as well as Shashwatha Niravari Horata Samiti that has been fighting for clean water supply to arid regions of Kolar.

The study report titled “Water quality of Bellandur STP and lakes of Kolar (Lakshmi Sagar lake and Narasapura lake)” has traced and analysed heavy metal content found in water samples collected from two outlets of KC Valley sewage treatment plant and two lakes of Kolar.


“Water samples were collected from multiple locations and six heavy metals were analysed as per standard methods and level of contamination was recorded. All the metals were above standard levels in two treatment outlets of KC Valley Sewage treatment Plant. In Laksmisagar, inlet channel and private land water samples had all metals above permissible range,” the report read.

The report cautioned that heavy metals will be transported to plants, animals and humans causing health hazards. The IISc’s report is in contrast to the the Minor Irrigation department’s report submitted to the High Court in which the MI has maintained that the quality of treated water supplied to Kolar is good.

While hearing the case on Friday, the Karnataka High Court, directed the Minor Irrigation Department to take corrective measures to ensure quality check of treated sewage submit a report to the court in 15 days.