Karnataka - Mysore   

Varsity to restore Kukkarahalli Kere

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Facelift: A detailed project report and a master plan to take up the restoration and development of Kukkarahalli Kere will be prepared in due course.

MYSORE: The University of Mysore will take up comprehensive restoration and development of Kukkarahalli Kere with funding of Rs. 3 crore from the State Government. A detailed project report (DPR) and a master plan will be prepared in due course.

It has sought the services of experts for technical consultation and for preparation of the DPR and the master plan, which will assess the present condition of the lake, its physical structures and characteristic features in order to ascertain the extent of restoration required, said K.M. Jayaramaiah, convener, Kukkarahalli Lake Conservation Committee.

Mr. Jayaramaiah told The Hindu that there would also be a reconnaissance survey and the extent of the lake’s boundary would be determined while physical and chemical tests and studies would be conducted in addition to a detailed study of the flora and fauna of the lake.

A key aspect of the restoration work is assessing the required capacity of the sewage treatment plant to be set up on the northern side of the lake. It will treat the waste water currently entering the lake from Paduvarahalli, and the treated waste water will be let into the lake.

The university also proposes to establish a biodiversity park on the northern side of the lake while a compound wall will be constructed to demarcate the boundary of the lake adjoining Hunsur Road. Also in the offing is a chain-link fence along the boundary wherever essential.

Mr. Jayaramaiah said environmentalists and the public could provide inputs for the restoration project and discuss it with the executive engineer of the university.

The existing water inflow to the lake, which has a water-spread area of 160 acres, will be augmented by improving the existing inlets.

There are seven inlets to the lake, of which three are major contributory drains to the lake from its catchment area.

The soil and silt collected in the inlets will also be removed in order to improve the inflow and the natural run-off. In addition, there is a proposal to augment water inflow by diverting untreated Cauvery water during the rainy season using the existing waste-water pipeline. Rainwater harvesting will also be introduced to augment water into the lake.

The authorities have also proposed creating facilities for yoga, meditation and exercise given the growing popularity of the lake among walkers.

Also in the offing is a mini-hall with lighting to facilitate meditation while a horticultural park will be created at each corner of the lake.

The existing Kuvempu Vana will be improved by creating additional facilities for children and families.

Medicinal plants and local species will be planted around the lake and the existing eucalyptus trees and stumps will be removed. Other plans include improving the boating facility and the jetties.

The university has also proposed introducing pedal boats.

In addition, the lake will be dredged to remove silt and waste collected on the lake bed without disturbing the bunds and the ecosystem. The islands where birds roost will be strengthened by constructing stone revetments.

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