According to locals, the unbearable stench has been lingering in the air for nearly a month now. However, the lake has not been well maintained by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) since it was handed over by the Karnataka Forest Department to the civic agency in November last year.
The BBMP has provided footpaths on both sides of the road and a median that has a provision to plant saplings. However, footpaths are being used to dump all types of waste, and the vacant land near Satyanagar is being used not only for dumping and burning garbage but also as an open toilet.
BBMP previously classified thermocol as a type of plastic and discovered it lodged in the drain mesh throughout the city. The agency then established guidelines for thermocol usage and imposed a fine of Rs 100 for unlawfully discarding it. However, this enforcement effort proved inadequate as thermocol dumping has significantly obstructed drain systems.
According to the Forest Department of BBMP, nearly 30 complaints of trees falling were received on Monday from various parts of the city due to rain and wind.