Kukkarahalli Lake visitors risk crocodile attack

Mysuru: Kukkarahalli Lake, one of the city’s cherished natural landmarks, is increasingly becoming a safety concern as visitors ignore warnings about crocodiles and venture close to the water.

Despite warning boards about crocodiles in the lake, several people have been descending to the water’s edge, particularly near Kuvempu Vana.

Some sit with their feet in the water or gather to watch the sunrise and sunset, while youngsters have been seen throwing stones, splashing sticks and loitering dangerously close to the water.

Experts warn that crocodiles are semi-aquatic reptiles that move between water and land. Besides hunting and swimming in the lake, they bask on the banks, lay eggs and can attack prey on land. This makes venturing close to the water’s edge particularly risky. The danger of slipping and drowning is an added concern.

No metal fencing

Regular walkers on the 4.5-km pathway around the lake have urged the University of Mysore, which manages the lake, to install sturdy metal fencing along the entire perimeter.

Several stretches, particularly on the Hunsur Road side, remain without protective barriers, leaving visitors exposed. In contrast, the Bogadi Road stretch has fencing, which residents say could be replicated around the lake.

Morning walkers said, safety should go hand in hand with conservation. “A strong fence will prevent people from reaching the water’s edge and avert accidents,” they said.

The lake is open to the public from 6 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm, with entry restricted during the remaining hours.

Environmentalists have also called for measures to stop sewage from entering the lake and damaging its ecological balance.

With its recreational and ecological importance, Kukkarahalli Lake needs stronger safety measures as well as sustained conservation efforts to prevent a possible tragedy.

Fading away…

Citizens have urged the University of Mysore to increase the number of warning boards around Kukkarahalli Lake, cautioning visitors about the presence of crocodiles.

Many of the existing boards have faded to the point of being unreadable. The iron boards have also rusted and deteriorated, raising questions about their effectiveness.

The boards displaying the lake’s entry timings are in a similar state, with letters worn off and the metal frames rusting.

Residents said, clear and visible signage was essential for public safety and urged the University to replace the damaged boards and ensure their regular maintenance.