Bengaluru: While Bellandur and Varthur lakes have been in the news for high level of pollutants in the water, courtesy the rampant disposal of industrial effluents and untreated sewage into the waters, there is another reason that Bengalureans need to fret over. There are suspicions that even the veggies available in the city may be toxic.

The concern is being raised since the vast stretches of farmlands around these lakes, where vegetables are grown, are being irrigated by this toxic water and are filled with heavy metals like copper, cadmium and zinc.

The consumption of such vegetables could lead to health hazards, including kidney failure, digestive disorders and even cancer. However, a notable fact is that a layman will not be able to differentiate such produce from normal ones and it’s not just the vegetables that one needs to be concerned about. There is high possibility of even the cow milk being polluted as the cattle are fed with grass and fodder (aquatic plants) grown from the same sewage water.

But given the apathy of the state government in addressing the issue, the common man would continue to bear the brunt till these lakes are revived.