Video: When froth over Bengaluru's Bellandur lake caught fire

Video: When froth over Bengaluru's Bellandur lake caught fire
Video: When froth over Bengaluru's Bellandur lake caught fire

If the trauma of lakes in Bengaluru's residential neighborhoods frothing with chemicals wasn't enough, here is the horror: the foam at Bellandur lake caught fire once again on Monday night, creating panic among residents and those passing by. Speaking to The News Minute, IT professional Vishrut Singh said that the fire broke out at around 9:15 pm and was of a lesser intensity in comparison to that of Friday night’s fire. However, it is unclear who or what started the fire and how it spread to the lake. Video of 82Ppf7JJcJE Fire at Bellandur lake on May 18 Vishrut who resides in close proximity to the lake complained of a burning sensation in the eyes when he ventured close to the lake to take a few images.   Explaining what was causing the allergic reaction in Vishrut’s eyes, IISc scientist Durga Madhab Mahapatra said there were certain chemical particles in the air which was responsible for  the burning sensation. A team of IISc scientists had visited the lake on Monday morning and had also experienced a similar problem. “The froth contains bubbles which on bursting forms mist in the air. These particles in the mist maybe chemical or toxic in nature and when it comes in contact with the skin surface or nasal passage, can cause irritation,” he explained. The fire and the by-products emitted could be dangerous in nature, he added. Foam is generally used as fire-extinguisher in certain situations. However, in Bellandur lake the foam catching fire was quite baffling. Scientists from IISc had collected samples from the Varthur lake in the past to test the components in the lake. “After the fire dies out, it leaves a black residue. On analysing the remnants, we found that there were traces of oil, grease and other flammable materials which facilitated the spreading of fire,” he said. The test results were preliminary in nature and further tests needed to be carried out, he added. Rains increase froth level As Bengaluru witnessed heavy rains over the last two days, the level of foam had increased dangerously, said Vishrut. "As soon it rains, all the foam piles up and rises to nearly 6-12 feet," he said. Bellandur lake on Monday morning after heavy rains All images and video courtesy: Vishrut Singh   

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