It is a bizarre giant open air bathtub type phenomenon that the residents of Bangalore witness from time to time. It is Varthur Lake in Bangalore that becomes all frothy and foamy – it looks pretty, and similar to snowfall. This is however toxic foam and a testament to how human activities are poisoning and choking our lakes, rivers and other water bodies. As for the stench from the foam… that is well nigh unbearable, say reports!
It is supposed to be a very posh area of Bangalore – Whitefield residents who live around the lake have frequently witnessed frothing of the lake during the hot weather; specially when it rains.
This bizarre phenomenon is known to happen repeatedly. Sometimes the foam is so voluminous that it overflows from the lake and advances on to the road; engulfing vehicles.
Having witnessed heavy rains in the city, Bangalore's Varthur lake recently overflowed. Because of this repeated foaming of the lake, there is a 10 foot tall fence constructed at the edge of the lake; this time the foam rose up to 10 feet along the fence.
Unfortunately, untreated sewage is finding its way into the lake. It is urine, human excreta and detergent – household waste – that is responsible for the periodic frothing. The foam is toxic and even carcinogenic, say reports.
People living in the area cannot open their windows because of the foul smell emanating from the irretrievably polluted lake. Even traveling along the road is difficult because of the smell.
Apart from the pollution of the water, the destruction of the ecology and the smell, the foam is also apparently flammable. Because of the industrial effluent and grease in the foam, it has been known to catch fire as well.
High levels of ammonia and phosphates and other pollutants cause the foam to rise, causing allergies and even polluting the groundwater of the area. The nitrates are carcinogenic and together the pollutants are causing irreparable damage to the ecology.
The phenomenon is so uniquely horrifying that the foreign press also tends to cover the frothy lake. It may look like a snow storm in this picture. However it is far more akin to a s**tstorm – literally!
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