HDMC will use FB to solve civic problems

HDMC will use FB to solve civic problems

Basavaraj F Kattimani May 20, 2011, 11.24pm IST

HUBLI: To reach out to more people and to provide them a platform to express opinions and register complaints, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has started using Facebook, a popular social networking site.

Those having civic problems in their wards or suggestions for the corporation can now reach the civic authorities at the click of a mouse.

HDMC is said to be the first corporation in the state to utilize the social networking for the benefit of people. "Our intention of putting the HDMC on Facebook is to enable people of the twin cities to freely interact with the HDMC authorities to get their problems solved," K V Trilokchandra, HDMC commissioner, said, and added: "Besides airing their grievances, people can also suggest the authorities ways to improve civic services". The officials monitoring the web postings would attend to them immediately.

The commissioner said they want to target the younger generation through the networking site. "We got an overwhelming response - 580 postings to be precise - within 2-3 days of going online. The respondents were happy to see HDMC on Facebook," he added.

Sadhanakeri beckons, yet again

Sadhanakeri beckons, yet again

Raju S Vijapur

Sadhankeri, a lake which was once the source of inspiration for poet laureate Da Ra Bendre, situated opposite the late poet’s residence at Sadhankeri Layout (South Dharwad), has an important place in the world of Kannada literature and culture.

This lake is ubiquitous, as a subject or a metaphor, in many of the poems written by Bendre. Sadhankeri’s quiet, but beautiful surroundings, the poet’s inseparable bond with the lake, and the intense pain of losing dear ones are all interwoven in Bendre’s poetry. Over the years, this culturally important lake began to lose its charm. It was partially encroached upon and a portion of this lake became the dumping yard for domestic waste. As the lake’s degradation reached its peak, people started saying ‘Barabyado Sadhankerige’ (‘Don’t come to Sadhankeri’), twisting Bendre’s famous quote ‘Baro Sadhankerige’ (Sadhankeri beckons), highlighting how polluted the lake had become. But now, the lake is all spruced up, thanks to the efforts of the Central and the State governments, which have developed the poet’s favourite haunt at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore under the ‘Baro Sadhankerige Project.’ Today, boating, beautiful fountains and the latest amusement equipment all make for an entertaining experience for the visitor at Sadhanakeri. What’s more, this a plastic-free zone too. The ‘Baro Sadhankerige Project’ was mooted in 2006 to revive the lake and it was completed this year. The idea of reviving the lake was mooted by the then Tourism minister B Shriramulu, on his visit to the poet’s house at Sadhankeri in 2006. Work began in 2007. The project had many teething problems. Though there was no dearth of funds, work came to a stop soon after it was launched. Later, a group of writers and artists led by local political leaders impressed upon the government to resume work. This is the first natural tourist spot in the country developed in the name of a Jnanpeeth Award winning poet. Poet Bendre, who effectively used colloquial Kannada to explore new possibilities in literature during the ‘Navodaya’ period, an important phase in Kannada literature that followed ‘Hosagannada’ in 1950s, made an important contribution to Kannada literature for five decades by penning the most touching poems. No wonder then, that the revival of Sadhankeri has brought much joy to lovers of Kannada literature. Take Shivanand Kelaginmani, a Kannada professor from Kuvempu University, who visited the lake recently, for instance. He is thrilled by the possibility of unwinding at this culturally significant lake, even while reciting Bendre’s verse. Project details As part of the rejuvenation project, a pathway and a strong bund have been constructed around the lake. The 2.5-metre- wide pathway has been made for morning walkers. There’s also a picturesque garden on the North side of the lake. A thick grove has also come up around the lake, which has now become a must-visit cultural and tourist spot for anyone who visits Dharwad. The only lacuna, some feel, in the newly developed lake is the absence of Bendre’s statue. Officials point out that they are consulting with the government to install Bendre’s statue in the lake premises.

Fountains, parks to beautify twin cities

Fountains, parks to beautify twin cities

Vincent D'Souza, TNN | Mar 9, 2011, 10.48pm IST

HUBLI: If everything goes as per the plans of Hubli Dharwad Municipal Corporation, the twin cities will only look more beautiful in the coming days.

HDMC commissioner Dr K V Trilokchandra told TOI that it has been planned to build fountains in seven circles and two gardens of twin cities. Kittur Chennamma Circle, Court Circle and Ambedkar Circle in Hubli and KCD Circle and German Hospital Circle in Dharwad have been chosen to put up fountains. The gardens selected for the purpose are Basavana Vana in Hubli and Vivekananda Park in Dharwad.

He said the HDMC is considering carrying out the beautification work on Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis as some people who are presently maintaining medians have evinced interest in carrying out the task. "If not, we will go ahead with the project and call tenders within a month," said Trilokchandra.

He said each fountain will cost Rs 4 to 6 lakh and they are working on the design aspect. "We are contacting designers for the purpose. Different shapes and designs will be chosen for the fountains. The one that will come upat Court Circle will be triangle in shape. K C Circle will be the first where the fountain will come up," he said. At present there are no fountains in twin cities.

Dharwad's Kelgeri lake turns 100 today

Dharwad's Kelgeri lake turns 100 today

DHARWAD, March 4, 2011 Dinesh Nayak - The Hindu

 

The district administration has taken up a Rs. 5-crore scheme to renovate it

 

 

MANMADE TANK: A view of the Kelgeri lake in Dharwad. At right is a stone inscription that gives the date of the inauguration of the lake.

 

Kelgeri lake, known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, and is the legacy of Sir M. Visvesaraya, will turn 100 years on Friday. Nestled amidst idyllic surroundings, this 230-acre water body has played a key role in the development of Dharwad and has become an integral part of its culture and has been a source of inspiration for poets and writers of the land.

 

The lake was the brainchild of M. Visvesaraya, who built it to meet the drinking and irrigation water needs of Dharwad.

 

It was formally inaugurated on March 4, 1911 by the then collector of Dharwad district M.C. Gibbs.

 

Later, the lake has fulfilled the water needs of the citizens and farmers for several years till the city grew and Malaprabha Drinking Water Project began supplying the surface water to quench the thirst of the city people.

 

The lake was handed over to the University of Agricultural Sciences in 1983 and the university began using it to water its fields. The lake dried up in 2003 but later again filled up as there were good rains in 2004. The rich greenery in the surroundings of the lake attracts a good number of rare species of birds.

 

Although the lake is no longer used for watery needs, it is getting a facelift on the occasion of its centenary. It will soon get new look with new charm as a scheme to develop it into a tourist spot is under way.

 

Deputy Commissioner Darpan Jain said a Rs. 5-crore scheme to develop the loch into a lake park and a centre for water sports was executed and expected to complete shortly. It has become a popular weekend spot as people began coming here to enjoy some cool time.

 

The scheme has plans to introduce the boating and develop it into a centre for water sports.

 

It is one of the few lakes which has potential to be developed into a centre for water sports and it would be possible to conduct the State-level water sports event here once the scheme was completed, Mr. Jain said.

 

 

 

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•  The tank, built by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, was inaugurated on March 4, 1911
• The water body dried up once in 2003 during drought, but came alive next year  

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