Mysuru: Mysuru’s iconic Kukkarahalli Lake and the historic Dewan Purnaiah Canal were the focus of the opening day of the two-day Kukkarahalli Kere Habba-2026 this morning with environmentalists, academicians and citizens calling for urgent measures to conserve the city’s natural water systems. 

The event featured bird watching, tree walk, exhibition, a signature campaign. Around 600 morning walkers visited the exhibition today. 

There were also displays highlighting the history of the 25-km-long Purnaiah Canal, the biodiversity of Kukkarahalli Lake, its tree cover and birdlife.  

More than 100 people, including 70 pre-registered participants, took part in the bird-watching programme. They were divided into five groups led by bird experts, including Saptha Girish, S.S. Sunil, Kashyap and Sahana, who explained the lake’s rich avian diversity. 

The two-day festival, held at the lake premises, is organised by Water Forum Mysuru in association with the Mysore School of Architecture, Aranya Outreach, Bengaluru Sustainability Forum, District Legal Services Authority, Parisarakkagi Naavu, Forests by Heartfulness and the University of Mysore. 

Sewage inflow, encroachment 

Addressing participants, wetland expert and water conservationist Prof. U.N. Ravikumar expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Kukkarahalli Lake. He said, sewage inflow and encroachments along the Purnaiah Canal have disrupted the natural flow of rainwater into the lake, affecting its ecological balance. 

He also highlighted the importance of conserving the lake’s island, native trees and bird habitats, noting that migratory birds have declined over the years due to habitat degradation. 

Tree expert Shreesha explained the ecological significance of the tree species around the lake, while photographer S. Shailajesha guided visitors through the nature and biodiversity exhibition. 

Uniqueness of canal 

Speaking to reporters, Dr. H.S. Champa, Dean and Director of the Mysore School of Architecture, said that the 25-km-long Purnaiah Canal remains one of Mysuru’s unique natural stormwater channels and deserves immediate protection. 

She said, surveys indicate that nearly 10,000 saplings can be planted along the surviving stretches of the canal. Clearing encroachments and restoring the canal would not only improve rainwater flow into Kukkarahalli Lake but also enhance groundwater recharge and help lower local temperatures. 

“The greenery around Kukkarahalli Lake creates a noticeably cooler environment compared to the surrounding city. Because the water flowing down the Purnaiah Canal percolates into the ground at various points, it cools down the surrounding environment as well. Protecting the canal and its natural landscape is essential for sustaining this microclimate,” she said. 

As part of the festival, organisers launched a signature campaign seeking conservation of the Purnaiah Canal and Kukkarahalli Lake. The memorandum, along with public signatures, will be submitted to the Chief Minister. Awareness activities, including illustrated stories for schoolchildren, a canal walk and a treasure hunt based on the canal’s history, have also been planned as part of the festival. 

The Kukkarahalli Lake Festival, featuring Expo, Bird Watch and Tree Watch activities, will be held in morning and evening sessions — 6.30 am to 9.30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm today and tomorrow    (June 27 and 28). 

Lingambudhi Lake 

To introduce nature’s beauty and serenity of Lingambudhi Lake in city, the Forest Department, in association with Spandana Rameshwar Art Gallery, Mysuru and Inidani Manna Makkala Honna Padagala Balaga, Mysuru, has organised Lingambudhi Lake Festival tomorrow (June 28). 

As part of the event, a Photography contest on Lingambudhi Biodiversity has been organised from 6 am to 10 am.  

Subsequently, DCF Paramesh will formally inaugurate the Festival in the lake premises at 10 am followed by a lecture session.  

Later, a tour on Lingambudhi Lake’s biodiversity will take place from 12 noon to 4 pm. Journalist Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa will deliver valedictory address at 4 pm.