BENGALURU: Lakes like Bellandur and Varthur , which spew froth and fire every now and then, are adding harmful chemicals to our food chain in the form of heavy metals, taking a toll on children, said IISc professor TV Ramachandra . His team has done extensive research on waterbodies in the city.“There are many communities that grow vegetables using lake water, like those downstream of Varthur. Then there are people who make a livelihood by selling fish extracted from some waterbodies. Because the lake water is polluted, harmful heavy metals like cadmium and chromium have entered the food chain. Our studies found metal content in fish too,” said Prof Ramachandra said at a talk organised by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) on Friday.He said polluted water entering the food chain is why kidney failure cases are increasing in the city. “I recently visited a school where I was told that two kids were suffering from bone marrow cancer and kidney failure. Is this what you call urbanisation and development which are only making its citizens sick,” he wondered.The scientist also took a dig at politicians and the bureaucracy for not taking measures to protect waterbodies.“About one-and-half years ago, HD Kumaraswamy come to our lab and appreciated our work. He’d said if he becomes CM again, most of our recommendations on waterbodies would be implemented. As soon as he took over, I reminded him about the promise. So far, I don’t see any action,” he added.