Mysuru: The two-member expert committee appointed by the Karnataka Lake Development Authority has submitted its report to Deputy Commissioner (DC) D. Randeep.

The committee comprised retired Professor Ramprasad from the Indian Institute of Science and retired Chief Engineer C.N. Babu.  

The University of Mysore and the District Administration had jointly planned to implement a Rs. 3 crore project for desilting, construction of toilets, boating jetty, entry arches and shelters on the tank bund.

Following agitation by environmentalists and other organisations over the development, the expert panel was formed to assess the situation and submit a report. Green groups had opposed the beautification of lake ignoring the environment and wanted the works to be shelved.

Responding to the protests, DC Randeep had written to the Karnataka Lake Development Authority to depute two experts to study the lake’s conservation. The university was asked to suspend desilting work until the report was submitted.

The expert team is assisted by former President of Institution of Engineers Suresh Babu, local engineers Nagaraj, environmentalist U.N. Ravikumar and Kukkarahalli Kere Ulisi Horata Samithi President K.N. Jayaramaiah. The team had recently collected public opinions on pro and anti-development of the lake and its environmental impact.

According to sources, the team submitted its report at the end of March and with its submission, the ‘Save Kukkarahalli Lake’ movement has reached a critical stage.

Confirming the report submission to Star of Mysore, DC Randeep said that he will look into the report and will discuss the issues with stakeholders. “Due to the Nanjangud by-election and the declaration of results, I could not see the report. I will look at the final report and convene a meeting to discuss its outcome with the stakeholders,” he said.

The committee had a mandate of presenting facts and figures after a detailed area examination and after seeking views. They had to examine the pros and cons of desilting, its effects on the environment, animals, fish, reptiles and birds in and around the lake. The experts were tasked with finding the water source of the lake, entry of backwash water from Vani Vilas Water Works, sewage entry, water blockage points and possibilities of sewage diversion.

The expert team was told to ensure that the lake is preserved with water along with all the living creatures and birds. They had to collect opinions from those who support the development works and those who oppose them and also seek views from other public, morning walkers, media and botanists.