Sir,

This refers to the news item ‘Yuva Brigade volunteers clean Kapila bathing ghat in Nanjangud’ (SOM dated Dec. 26).

Volunteers of Yuva Brigade deserve encomiums for their cleanliness drive at the bathing ghat and surrounding areas of Kapila River near Nanjangud Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple and influencing and sensitising the devotees to join hands with them in maintaining the sanctity of the river [see pic. above].

As the authorities concerned are not bothered and care two hoots, the socially/environ-mentally committed youth and other groups are volunteering to bring in changes, which is heartening, so much so that the Prime Minister praised Yuva Brigade in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today (Dec. 27) for their efforts.

Two years ago, SOM had published my letter about Devanur Lake, which is located on the main link road between N.R. Mohalla and Rajivnagar. This Lake remains neglected and is an eyesore today.

What happened to Rs. 5 crore allotted under Chief Minister’s Fund to rejuvenate this Lake? Did MUDA receive this money which has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviving this Lake? If yes, then why no action has been taken so far? Will the MUDA Commissioner care to let the public know the actual and current status, please? The dynamic Deputy Commissioner can also look into this matter.

Like volunteers of Yuva Brigade, why can’t the zealous youths of the area take up this project as a challenge, clear all encroachments and bring this Lake back to life?

Tanveer Sait, the area MLA, I am sure, will be too willing to encourage and support them. Also, any number of philan- thropic-minded businessmen and other donors would be happy to fund and contribute their mite for this project. In fact, I had suggested to approach people like Azim Premji of Wipro under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

With some hard work and timeline, if this beautifully located Lake comes alive, the youths of Mysuru would indeed be setting an example for others to take up similar projects in the country.

– Mubasher Mirza, Bannimantap ‘C’ Layout, 27.12.2020

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