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Changing course: new look for Karanji lake in Mysore: Deccan Herald
Mysore, May 26: The long-awaited and much needed restoration and development of Karanji lake, one of Mysore`s ecologically sensitive spots, has finally begun.
Mysore, May 26: The long-awaited and much needed restoration and development of Karanji lake, one of Mysore’s ecologically sensitive spots, has finally begun.
An interesting development is that a large 20 metre high ‘Walk through aviary’ has been planned in the lake premises, which could be the biggest in India. The lake restoration project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is co-ordinated by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). The total cost of restoration is expected to be around Rs 1.20 crore.
Of the five lakes in Mysore City — Karanji, Kukkarahalli, Lingambudhi, Dalvoy and Devanoor — that were proposed for development, restoration work will begin first in Karanji lake.
The lake development project has been prepared by Dalal Consultants in consultation with the Zoo Authority and Mysore Jala Samvardhana Okkuta. The contract was awarded after going through the tender process as prescribed by the ADB.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Zoo Authority Executive Director Kumar Pushkar said the project envisages restoration and development of the lake to create a nature park with scope for sustainable maintenance.
He said the major work of removing polluted silt in the lake has been completed and the de-weeding of the lake surface is under way. About 30 cm of polluted silt has been removed, he added. Explaining further about the project, Mr Pushkar said construction of constructed wetland to ensure supply of clean water to the lake, improvement of feeder channel to the lake, construction of a boating jetty are works in the offing.
As a number of migratory birds visit the lake during the breeding season, a watch tower will be constructed to view birds and study their behaviour. Books on birds and binoculars to watch them will be provided to visitors once the project is complete.
An elephant ride machan, modern toilet with facilities for children and physically challenged people, drinking water fountains, chairs and dustbins, a parking stand and an entrance gate are planned under the project. Construction of a multi-media information kiosk with touch screen computers and software on zoos, birds and wildlife will be provided at the library in the lake premises.
“Once the work is complete, the lake will attract a large number of visitors. The work is expected to be completed by December 2003 and the lake will be open to the public for education and recreation,” Mr Pushkar said. The zoo authority will also take up the restoration of Lingambudhi lake after finalising the tender process.
Karanji Lake has 60 hectares of waterspread area and 80 hectares of foreshore. The Zoo Authority of Karnataka, which is the owner of the lake, took steps to check the flow of sewage into the lake.
Birds of different species have migrated to the lake.
An interesting development is that a large 20 metre high ‘Walk through aviary’ has been planned in the lake premises, which could be the biggest in India. The lake restoration project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is co-ordinated by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). The total cost of restoration is expected to be around Rs 1.20 crore.
Of the five lakes in Mysore City — Karanji, Kukkarahalli, Lingambudhi, Dalvoy and Devanoor — that were proposed for development, restoration work will begin first in Karanji lake.
The lake development project has been prepared by Dalal Consultants in consultation with the Zoo Authority and Mysore Jala Samvardhana Okkuta. The contract was awarded after going through the tender process as prescribed by the ADB.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Zoo Authority Executive Director Kumar Pushkar said the project envisages restoration and development of the lake to create a nature park with scope for sustainable maintenance.
He said the major work of removing polluted silt in the lake has been completed and the de-weeding of the lake surface is under way. About 30 cm of polluted silt has been removed, he added. Explaining further about the project, Mr Pushkar said construction of constructed wetland to ensure supply of clean water to the lake, improvement of feeder channel to the lake, construction of a boating jetty are works in the offing.
As a number of migratory birds visit the lake during the breeding season, a watch tower will be constructed to view birds and study their behaviour. Books on birds and binoculars to watch them will be provided to visitors once the project is complete.
An elephant ride machan, modern toilet with facilities for children and physically challenged people, drinking water fountains, chairs and dustbins, a parking stand and an entrance gate are planned under the project. Construction of a multi-media information kiosk with touch screen computers and software on zoos, birds and wildlife will be provided at the library in the lake premises.
“Once the work is complete, the lake will attract a large number of visitors. The work is expected to be completed by December 2003 and the lake will be open to the public for education and recreation,” Mr Pushkar said. The zoo authority will also take up the restoration of Lingambudhi lake after finalising the tender process.
Karanji Lake has 60 hectares of waterspread area and 80 hectares of foreshore. The Zoo Authority of Karnataka, which is the owner of the lake, took steps to check the flow of sewage into the lake.
Birds of different species have migrated to the lake.