The NGT, which had taken up the case of intense pollution, frothing and fire mishap at Bellandur Lake, also had its lighter moment during the course of the hearing on activities of the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA).

The Green bench observed that perhaps the KLCDA is the only authority in the world which was causing fires in its lakes. However, coming down heavily on the state government, the NGT bench warned that restraining directions will be passed against it if discharge of untreated sewage into the Bellandur Lake is not stopped immediately.

Posting the case to April 18 for further hearing, the bench ordered the chief secretary to be present during the next hearing. Taking note of the fire mishap at the lake in February, the NGT directed the authorities to appraise the court about the measures that KLCDA has taken up to prevent such accidents.

Reacting on the observation by NGT, Rajya Sabha MP from Bengaluru Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “I thank the NGT for stepping in and stopping this government’s rampant ongoing destruction of our city.”