Sir,

Earth Day was celebrated on April  22 and it is important to remember that Mysuru has some of the best ecological hotspots on the earth. Not many are aware that right in the middle of the city, the Kukkarahalli Lake is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This has been well-documented by the Mysore Nature Organisation on their website and published also in the coffee-table book on the Lake brought out by Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP).

Mysore University students can further add more studies about the Lake. Anyone who has carefully observed Kukkarahalli Lake with mindfulness can understand that this Lake can be a great place for eco-tourism.

Except for public walkers in the morning and evening, the 10 am to 3 pm can be dedicated for the paid visitors to appreciate the trees, birds, butterflies and other species in the natural surroundings, right in the middle of the city. There can be e-cycles, limited “catch & leave” fishing and other nature-friendly activities. Nature enthusiasts should be made as guides for Lake visitors. Urgently, the weeds that are growing over large areas of the Lake and the drainage should be addressed.

Similarly, more than a dozen dogs and piglets that have made this Lake their home should be evacuated. The feeding of pigeons should be stopped immediately. All these measures will make the Lake the best eco-tourist centre within the city.

– Kishor Mysuru, Kuvempunagar ‘N’ Block, 12.4.2022

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