Neersagar Lake project still a distant dream

HUBLI: Neersagar Lake has all the potential to be developed into a tourist spot. The authorities too realized this and had grand plans to develop the lake. But the plans didn't translate into action.
Fifteen kilometres from Dharwad on Dharwad-Kalghatagi Road near Dhumwad, Neersagar Lake has been a favourite picnic spot for the people of the twin cities.
The proposal for the much-hyped project was made during the previous regime. Acting on the suggestions of the environmentalists and the citizens to beautify Neersagar to attract more people, former rural development and panchayat raj minister Jagadish Shettar decided to turn it into a tourist spot on the lines of the Brindavan Gardens. Two years back, then deputy commissioner Darpan Jain even prepared a proposal for an eco-park on the sprawling 106-acre area encompassing the lake and sent it for government approval. There hasn't been any progress after that.
However, there was some excitement when the present authorities decided to act. Dhumwad villager Ramappa Patil said that about eight months back around 7,000 pits were dug up to plant various saplings. People's joy was shortlived when no green work began. So instead of leaving the pits open, people filled them up with mud.
In September the authorities got bout 8,000 saplings to be planted, but since the pits were filled up with mud, they kept the saplings aside. These thousands of saplings are withering away, Patil said.
Suresh Kamble, working in a private firm, who visited Neerasagar with his friends, said the naturally created Neerasagar Lake has all the potential to be one of the best tourist spots in Dharwad district. He said the elected representatives should bring this issue to the notice of the government.
Shivakumar Waddar, another visitor, said that the lake was now being used for some illegal activities like gambling. The lake area is strewn with liquor bottles and cigarette butts, he said and added that the authorities have to depute security guards here.
The official line: "We have sent the proposal to the tourism department seeking Rs 5 crore. As soon as we get the amount released, we will take up the developmental works,'' said Shivanand Kapse, additional deputy commissioner.
"Due to some technical problems it was not possible to plant the saplings but soon the work will start. We are preparing the estimation of fencing the area to improve security,'' said D L Raju, executive engineer, Water Board.