Bowing to pressure from Green Groups, the District Administration has decided to temporarily stop all the development activities at the Kukkarahalli Lake. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep this morning.

It may be recalled here that the University of Mysore and the district administration had jointly planned to implement a Rs. 3 crore project for desilting, constructing toilets, boating jetty, entry arches and shelters on the lake bund. Environmentalists had opposed the project saying that desilting during summer will deplete the water level and will kill the bird species. They had even staged a silent protest at the DC office yesterday and had launched a series of signature campaigns.   

This morning, DC Randeep, accompanied by officials and environmentalists, went around the 4.5-km lake bund during which he was briefed about the lake and the migratory birds. Environmentalists were of the opinion that the lake would lose its pristine character if development works are carried out.  

Randeep also had a word with those wanting to take up development works in the lake and convert it into a tourist attraction. Later, he issued orders to stop development works.

One of the morning walkers submitted a complaint to the DC urging him to immediately stop fishing activity at the lake. The complaint stated that the lake will not attract birds if fish population is depleted, especially during breeding period.

Later speaking to reporters, the DC said that the District Administration had already contacted the Lake Development Authority in Bengaluru requesting them to send a couple of experts to examine the Kukkarahalli Lake and file report.

They will be requested to visit various other lakes surrounding the city and submit a report on their conservation as well.

He also added that the measures would be taken to conserve the lake without causing harm to the birds and other animals. “We will also look into the demands to let treated water, backwash water from Vani Vilas Water Works and also diverting rainwater into the lake,” he said.

Stating that no building was allowed on the shoreline of any water body as per government guidelines, the DC said that he would also order an enquiry into construction of buildings on the Kukkarahalli shoreline.   

MLA Vasu, Kukkarahalli Lake Protection Committee Convenor K.M. Jayaramaiah, environmentalists U.N. Ravikumar, Tanuja and others were present.