Sadhanakeri Lake to sport new look soon

Sadhanakeri Lake to sport new look soon

GURURAJ JAMKHANDI, TNN, Dec 3, 2010, 09.13pm IST

DHARWAD: Sadhanakeri, the lake that was a source of inspiration to Jnanpith laureate poet Da Raa Bendre, is now ready to inspire new-generation Bendres with a new look. The lake and its surroundings have been given a facelift under the Baaro Sadhankerige project sanctioned by the department of tourism (GoI), and is all set to be thrown open to the public in a month.

DC Darpan Jain, who has succeeded in taking the project to the logical end, told reporters here on Thursday that civil works at the tank site are completed and the park is expected to be inaugurated before January 26.

The area spread over eight acre land has been transformed into a park which houses an amphitheatre, a musical fountain, boating facility, canteen, walk path, landscaping, playing equipment for children, etc. Nirmiti Kendra has made the dream come true at a cost of Rs 2.58 crore.

Jain said a proposal was submitted to the Union government in 2006, seeking funds for development and beautification of the historic tank. The Centre had allotted Rs 3.6 crore for the project and the work had been entrusted to a private contractor. However due to poor quality of work, the amphitheatre collapsed, forcing the government to terminate the contract and assign the work to Nirmiti Kendra under the direct supervision of DC in April 2010.

Measures have been taken for illuminating the park and also creating parking space. There are toilet blocks in and outside the park.

Two pedal boats and a mechanical boat would be operational for the public. The park would be a plastic-free zone. Cultural programmes at weekends would be regularly organized at the amphitheatre.

The lake and park would initially be maintained by Nirmit Kendra.