Bengaluru Lake Frothing: Centre seeks CPCB's response over phosphorus pollution
What's the story
Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake frothing has turned the Centre's attention to high phosphorus content in laundry detergents, bars, and industrial cleaners. Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change sought inputs from Central Pollution Control Board and other stakeholders in the matter. This comes after an IISc study revealed phosphorus pollution is the major cause of oxygen depletion and proliferating waterweeds in water-bodies. Know more!
Environment Ministry
Lake activists hope Centre's intervention ensures transparency
Upon the Ministry's request, Bureau of Indian Standards and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization would look into the phosphates present in detergents and also the appropriate labeling of such packets. Activists hope manufacturers would specify the quantum of phosphorus content on detergents following the Ministry's intervention. The Ministry has written to Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan, outlining the various steps it has taken.
Quote
Bengaluru Central MP Mohan seeks ban on phosphorus in detergents
Mohan stated: "Phosphorus is damaging our waterbodies. In my constituency, Bellandur, Varthur, and Rampura Lakes, which form a valley system, have been frothing and foaming for years now. Not just sewage, we also have to prevent entry of phosphorus into these waterbodies."