Bengaluru vegetables found contaminated with dangerous lead

CPCB finds toxic lead in Bengaluru vegetables. 19 of 72 samples exceed FSSAI limits, risking kidney, brain and bone damage. Experts urge 3‑stage sewage treatment

Bengaluru is facing a serious public health crisis after a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) inspection revealed dangerously high levels of lead in vegetables grown in and around the city. Acting on the orders of the National Green Tribunal, a five‑member team collected 72 vegetable samples from Rajajinagar, Nelamangala, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Ramanagara. Shockingly, 19 samples exceeded the permissible lead limits set by FSSAI.

Among the findings, brinjal contained 1.953 mg of lead per kg—20 times the safe limit. Yams showed 18 times the limit, beans nine times, and several other vegetables including cucumber, bitter gourd, beetroot, and chillies were also contaminated. Soil samples from Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Nelamangala confirmed heavy metal pollution, while pesticide residues were detected in 10 vegetable samples.

Experts warn that consuming such vegetables can cause kidney failure, brain damage, bone pain, and other severe health issues. The contamination is linked to Bengaluru’s sewage treatment practices. Sewage is currently treated in only two stages before being discharged into lakes in Kolar and Chikkaballapur through the K.C. Valley and H.N. Valley projects. Farmers use this water for irrigation, but incomplete treatment leaves behind heavy metals and chemicals, which seep into soil, groundwater, and crops.

IISc scientist Dr. Ramachandra has repeatedly urged the government to adopt three‑stage sewage treatment, warning that two‑stage treatment is inadequate. Despite his reports to the High Court, the state government has resisted citing feasibility issues. The CPCB’s latest findings now confirm the severity of the problem, raising alarms for the health of 1.4 crore Bengaluru residents.

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The issue has been raised in the state assembly before, with farmers and legislators voicing concerns. News First channel had reported in 2023 that villagers in Kolar and Chikkaballapur were already suffering from bone pain and other illnesses. Yet, the government defended the valley projects.

With contamination now officially confirmed, experts insist that the Minor Irrigation Department and BWSSB must act urgently. Treating sewage in three stages would cost about ₹1,000 crore, a fraction of the state’s ₹4 lakh crore budget, but could safeguard millions from chronic illness.

The findings are a wake‑up call: unless Bengaluru’s sewage is properly treated, its vegetables will remain toxic, threatening both farmers’ livelihoods and citizens’ health.

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