164-acre water body to be rejuvenated and beautified with clean water, boating, zip lines

Mysore/Mysuru: The State Government has granted administrative approval for the rejuvenation and beautification of Varuna Lake in Mysuru, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 9.75 crore.

Once the lake is rejuvenated and beautified, a recreational park, zip lines and boating will transform the waterbody.

Spread over 164 acres near Chikkahalli village under Varuna Gram Panchayat in Mysuru taluk, the lake is set to be transformed into a clean and tourist-friendly water body.

According to a report by the Managing Director of Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL), the lake has been polluted due to sewage inflow from Varuna hobli, Vajamangala Gram Panchayat, MUDA Layouts, Chikkahalli village and nearby residential areas.

In collaboration with the District Administration and the Tourism Department, tenders have already been floated to introduce boating and water adventure activities at Varuna Lake.

However, the water quality tests conducted by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) classified the lake under the ‘D’ category, highlighting potential health risks for visitors.

To address these concerns, CNNL proposed the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). While Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology was initially considered, it was found to require high electricity and continuous maintenance.

Instead, Natural Biological System (NBS) technology has been chosen to treat the water, conserve the lake ecosystem and enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Proposal in 2023-2024

In 2023-24, Mysuru Division Joint Director of Tourism M.K. Savitha and CNNL Superintending Engineer Mahesh jointly inspected the lake and prepared a comprehensive plan of action. The Rs. 9.75 crore proposal was subsequently submitted to the Government.

The project received approval from the CNNL Estimate Review Committee on Oct. 30, 2025, and from the Board of Directors on Nov. 18, 2025.

Following this, the Water Resources Department issued an order on Dec. 29, 2025, granting administrative sanction for the project titled “Rejuvenation of Varuna Tank by Natural Biological System (NBS) under the Achukat of DDUC.”

With approval in place, CNNL has invited tenders and will soon issue work orders to successful bidders. Development work is expected to commence by the end of this month. The project plan includes measures to prevent sewage inflow, installation of crest gates, de-silting, repair of bunds, beautification, creation of a recreational park and tourism-friendly activities such as zip lines and boating.

The rejuvenation of Varuna Lake is expected to improve water quality, enhance the ecological balance and provide a vibrant recreational space for residents and tourists alike.