Mysuru: A meeting of Lake Committee to discuss the report submitted by the two-member expert panel on the development works in Kukkarahalli Lake began at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office this morning under the chairmanship of DC D. Randeep.

Members of the expert panel formed by Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Prof.Ramprasad from the Indian Institute of Science and retired Chief Engineer from Mysuru C.N. Babu were also present.

The meeting resolved not to take up any development work at the lake for now, as recommended by the expert panel. A separate committee was formed today to study the feasibility of pumping water from the Hebbal Lake into Kukkarahalli Lake.

The panel had asked the authorities to formalise an arrangement with Infosys, which is letting out treated water into the Hebbal Lake, and ensure that about 5 MLD of treated water is diverted to Kukkarahalli Lake.

The new committee will examine the pros and cons of pumping water from Hebbal Lake to Kukkarahalli Lake and also look into the possibility of establishing a separate Sewage Treatment Plant to treat effluents before clean water is let out to Kukkarahalli Lake.

The committee comprises MCC Superintending Engineer Suresh Babu, Executive Engineer of Karnataka Pollution Control Board Geetha, Save Kukkarahalli Lake Committee Convener Prof. K.M. Jayaramaiah, environmentalist U.N. Ravikumar and Nagaraj of District Urban Development Department. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three weeks. All the committee members were present at the meeting.

Listing out the development plans initiated by the University of Mysore, the expert committee had said that works like providing an e-water harmoniser system, diffused aerator system, construction of boating jetty, providing orchidarium, butterfly park, bamboo park, aquarium and adventure park must be stopped. It has only recommended the authorities to carry out works like fixing signboards, tree identification boards with scientific information, dustbins and ticket booth.

Today’s meeting resolved to carry out signboard, tree identification boards and other minor works in an unobtrusive manner as recommended by the committee.