Tolanakere to be transformed into tourist spot

Tolanakere to be transformed into tourist spot

GURURAJ JAMKHANDI May 24, 2011, 09.54pm IST

DHARWAD: Tolanakere Lake in Ramalingeshwar Nagar, Hubli, is one of the big lakes in the twin cities. The lake, spread over 23 acres, is next only to Kelgere and Unakal lakes. But with a dump yard surrounding it, the lake is full of sewage and dirty water.

Due to encroachment by brick kilns, the lake had become a place for illegal activities. As part of the Lake Rejuvenation Scheme, the district administration is transforming the lake into a tourist spot at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore. When developed fully, Tolanakere will be the third lake in the twin cities to attract people with recreational facilities.

The Land Army, which has been assigned the job, has demarcated the boundary, complete with fence, and encroachments have been cleared through negotiation. The work on strengthening the tank bund is on.

During the second phase, steps will be taken to divert sewage entering the tank and provision will be made to allow inflow of fresh water. A viewing point will be built with landscaping around it.

DC Darpan Jain, who is regularly monitoring the development works, said there are plans to start boating once the development work is completed. To ensure proper maintenance, revenue will be generated by charging the visitors for entry and amusement in the lake park.

"We are planning an amusement park and other facilities. A system is being worked out to ensure sufficient funds for their maintenance," he added.

Meanwhile, the amusement park at Sadhanakere in Dharwad has been attracting large number of visitors, especially during weekends.

During April this year, about Rs 3 lakh was collected by way of entry fee and charges for amusement facilities like boating. "After paying the contractor providing boating and for other amusement facilities, we are being left with Rs 2 lakh, which is just enough to meet the maintenance expenditure," he said.

There are plans to link Kelgeri to Sadhanakeri to ensure that there is no scarcity of water in the latter. A proposal in this regard is pending with the tourism department.