287 Crore Litres of Landfill Leachate Leaks into Bengaluru's Srinivasapura Lake
Bengaluru's Mittaganahalli landfill is once again under scrutiny after leachate — the toxic liquid generated from decomposing waste — was found flowing into the nearby Srinivasapura Lake. The lake, also known as Baiyappanahalli Lake, is located about 800 metres from the landfill and spans 23.36 acres, with approximately 13.2 acres of open water.
The leachate has been entering the lake through its southern inlet for the past week, according to residents and officials. This is not the first such incident; a similar leak was reported and temporarily fixed in 2025. The landfill, which began operations six years ago, is one of three quarries converted into landfills for Bengaluru's municipal solid waste. It is managed by the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML).
The continuous flow of leachate has disrupted ongoing restoration work at the lake. A non-governmental organisation had taken up rehabilitation and conservation of the waterbody using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds in June 2024. However, the influx of leachate has filled a portion of the lake, threatening the entire ecosystem.
Residents have reported severe contamination. Kaatappa, a local resident, said the water has become highly toxic, leading to the deaths of cows, two sheep, and a dog in the past. 'We no longer let our cattle drink from the lake; we rely on smaller tanks near our houses,' he said. Nagaraju, whose farmland is about 200 metres from the landfill, said borewell water has also been contaminated, and his recent attempt to dig a new borewell failed due to widespread pollution.
The landfill sits on a higher elevation than the lake. Leachate flows through a natural waterway, enters drain lines of a nearby private layout, and then joins a natural drain that empties into the lake. Karee Gowda, CEO of BSWML, told The Hindu that the landfill has accumulated about 287 crore litres of leachate. A treatment plant costing ₹475 crore is being built and is expected to be operational within two months, with a capacity to treat 20 lakh litres per day. However, Gowda admitted that an immediate solution is unlikely.
The lake supports a rich ecosystem, including 145 plant species, 35 butterfly species, 35 macro-invertebrate families, and 116 bird species such as kingfishers, drongos, and bee-eaters. Environmentalists warn that the leachate leak could cause long-term damage to biodiversity and groundwater in the area.
The Mittaganahalli landfill has faced multiple issues, including methane emissions and frequent fires. While those problems are now largely under control, leachate management remains a critical challenge. The situation highlights the broader waste management crisis in Bengaluru, where rapid urbanisation has outpaced infrastructure development.
