Fear of fees returns to haunt strollers at Kukkarahalli Lake

Mysuru: Even as the survey by two experts deputed by the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority is pending, activists opposing the desilting at Kukkarahalli Lake have raised objection to the proposed tourism-related projects at the lake.
While there are concerns that the converting the lake as a tourist spot could harm its sensitive ecology, walkers and joggers may have to pay money to use the picturesque water body.Some time back when the University of Mysore, the custodian of the lake, planned to collect fees for entry to the lake, it snowballed into a controversy forcing the varsity authorities to go back on their proposal. But with the lake planned to be developed as a tourist spot, there are concerns that the lake could be out of bounds of regular visitors.
The KLCDA has nominated Ram Prasad, retired professor of the IISc, and C N Babu, city-based retired chief engineer as the experts to inspect the lake and suggest remedial measures. Referring to the controversy surrounding lake development, the authority had asked experts to visit the site and submit a report related to the development plan. When contacted, Babu said they will visit the lake on March 10 and study details.
This comes amidst the growing opposition to tourism related projects planned to be taken up at the lake. The activists, who are protesting against desilting during summer season, have stressed that the lake is an ecological site and its sanctity will be invaded if treated as a tourist spot.
The varsity has said that it is planning to build a boating jetty at the lake at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and provide orchiderium, butterfly park, bamboo park, aquarium and adventure park investing Rs 34 lakh. It has set aside Rs 5 lakh for fixing sign boards, dust bins and for ticket booth.
Though major part of Rs 1.58 crore project which was launched in mid-February focuses on attending to the lake’s requirement — Rs 65 lakh is set aside for desilting —plans like extending boating facility and aquarium are being questioned.
Of the Rs 1.58 crore funds, Rs 65 lakh is provided by the KLCDA while Rs 93 lakh is extended by the tourism department. A part of the tourism department’s funds is being used to fix five e-water harmonizers and set up diffused aerator system to ensure quality of water and avoid pollution.
K M Jayaramaiah of the Kukkarahalli Lake Protection Committee told TOI that the officials favoured creation of tourism-related amenities at the lake. The issue was discussed during the meeting held in March 2016. He said he gave approval for boating facility for tourists to ensure that walkers and joggers don’t have to pay to use the water body for their daily dose of exercise.