Unkal lake attracts visitors with adventure sports

Hubballi: The historic Unkal lake, refurbished under the Smart City Project, is drawing visitors with new adventure sports. Boating has resumed after weed removal and has been operating for 4 months. Sky cycle, rope cycle, zipline, trackless toy train, and jungle bounce were added, offering recreational opportunities for children in twin cities.The lake, which was polluted earlier, was cleaned under the Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited's (HDSCL) project at a cost of Rs 15 crore in the 1st phase and Rs 28 crore in the 2nd phase. The lake spreads over 260 acres, and a walking path was constructed. Many facilities were added for visitors. Last Sept, motor boat, pedal boat, jet ski boat, speed boat, and kayaking were inaugurated by Union minister Pralhad Joshi.Vijaykumar R, HDMC's superintendent engineer, told TOI that HDMC floated a tender to maintain Unkal lake park and for adventure sports. "The contractor has to pay Rs 10 lakh to HDMC. The contractor, Om Water Sports, launched various adventure sports, and now some more, such as the toy train and ropeway were added. Overall, our aim is that the public, including children, spend a whole day at the lake by enjoying the games, he added.Raju Khilare, proprietor of Om Water Sports, said that after the good response to boating and other adventure sports, 5 more sports such as sky cycle, rope cycle, zipline, trackless toy train, and jungle bounce have been installed. "By next week, all activities will commence. We are planning to announce a special package for schools to have children come here to enjoy adventure sports," he added.Khilare said boating was stopped earlier due to increase in aquatic weeds in the lake. Now, boating has resumed. In addition to boating, visitors can now enjoy the beauty of the lake through a miniature train and adventure games in Unkal Park. There are large boats that can carry 30 people and speedboats that can carry 10 people at a time. Three lifeguards will be on duty for maintenance and safety, he added.