Waddanakeri Lake to get a facelift

Waddanakeri Lake to get a facelift

GURURAJ JAMKHANDI May 23, 2011, 09.25pm IST

DHARWAD: Even as old timers express concern over the fast depleting serenity and greenery of Dharwad, there is ray of hope. The old lakes, which once inspired the musicians and poets, are being rejuvenated.

After Kelgeri and Sadhanakeri, it is now the turn of Waddanakeri in Jayanagar to draw the attention of the authorities. Encroachment and dumping of waste had made this lake a reservoir of sewage and dirty water, leading to health hazards. The lake, in spite of being located in a residential area, had been neglected for a long period.

There are absolutely no signs of any improvement in the last six decades. Its pathetic condition has resulted in pollution, health hazard, silting, overflow of sewage water. Worse, it has also become a place for anti-social activities.

The residents are also worried about the prospect of overflowing water gushing into their houses during monsoon. The district administration has taken up the work on Waddanakeri for developing it at a cost of Rs 1 crore under the Rs 100-crore special grants sanctioned to the twin cities.

As a first step, the boundary of the lake (spread on 10 acres) has been identified and the sewage water is being diverted. Provision is also being made for the inflow of fresh water. Land Army, which has been assigned the work, has desilted the lake to enable recharging of underground water. Encroachment has also been cleared.

DC Darpan Jain said after doing the basic tank work, steps will be taken to develop the lake into a recreation centre. "Plans are afoot to build walking path, garden and other facilities similar to the ones provided at Sadhanakeri," he added.

Jain said more funds will be sought for landscaping, building amusement park, and the planting of flowering and fruit trees to attract winged visitors.

Jain said 118 tanks across the district will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore under the tank-rejuvenation scheme. The work is in progress at Rustumsaab tank in Kalghatgi, Neelammannakeri in Navalgund, Kuddikeri in Annigeri and Chavati tank in Alnavar.

What about maintenance?

Dharwad: Senior citizens who had seen the ecological and cultural glory of Dharwad during their younger days, and its depletion later, are happy to see the lakes being developed. But they are equally concerned about their maintenance in future.

The government, after spending huge money, has developed these lakes and built amusement parks. But it is also important to maintain them. People tend to spoil the atmosphere by littering the area. "There is need for strict watch and ward. The government should allocate separate funds for maintenance and entry fees should be charged to ensure proper usage of the facilities," said retired professor R S Salimath. Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, which has the responsibility of maintaining these lakes, should make budgetary provision for the same, he addd.