Lake’s beauty buried under garbage and official neglect

Once a potential haven for nature lovers, Bogadi Lake now stands as a symbol of official apathy and environmental degradation. Despite being restored over a decade ago, the lake is choking under a blanket of silt, invasive vegetation and mounting garbage, with its once-pristine waters reduced to a murky, polluted stretch.

Had the authorities ensured regular upkeep, Bogadi Lake could have blossomed into a serene escape for locals and a sanctuary for aquatic life and migratory birds. It could have mirrored the charm of other well-maintained lakes, attracting tourists and serving as a vital green lung for the city. Instead, it lies in disrepair — choked with silt, overgrown with wild vegetation and largely devoid of water.

The invasive water hyacinth has taken over vast portions of lake, suffocating native aquatic species. The lake’s banks, once envisioned for leisurely walks, now resemble a garbage dump, with plastic waste and construction debris piling up.

A dumping yard in disguise

Bogadi Lake’s northern banks, near Sri Siddalingeshwara Nagar, have turned into an open dumping yard. Despite the construction of a well-laid road and gated entry points intended for public access, the area is now plagued by waste and stench. The gates, once meant to welcome visitors, now frame a view of filth and decay.

In some instances, garbage collected near the gates is set on fire, creating a crematorium-like atmosphere, with charred plastic and noxious fumes polluting the surroundings.

The lake’s walking paths, meant for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers, are now engulfed by wild overgrowth, making them nearly impassable.

Haven for miscreants

The neglected lake area has become a hotspot for miscreants. Empty liquor bottles, cigarette packs and leftover food — including meat dishes — litter the premises, creating an uninviting and unsafe environment. Once a refuge for migratory birds, the lake now sees fewer winged visitors, driven away by pollution and human interference.

Adding to the ecological damage, untreated, polluted water continues to flow into the lake, endangering whatever aquatic life remains. Environmentalists fear that many species may have already perished due to contamination.

Lakes once played a crucial role in rural Karnataka, serving as lifelines for livestock, agriculture and daily household needs. But with rapid urbanisation, their significance has dwindled.

For aquatic life and birds, however, these lakes remain essential. Tragically, Bogadi Lake now stands as a testament to how neglect and mismanagement can turn a vital water body into a wasteland.

Government-induced degradation

To make matters worse, the construction of the Anthropological Survey of India’s Manav Bhavan near the lake has drawn the ire of environmentalists, who allege that it has further disrupted the lake’s ecosystem. Piles of construction debris along the roadside have only worsened the lake’s condition. Despite being restored by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in 2012-13, the lake has been abandoned by both MUDA and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

Local residents express frustration over the Government’s indifference, as other lakes in the city receive attention and periodic maintenance, while Bogadi Lake is left to deteriorate.

Expert laments lost potential

Water conservationist Prof. U.N. Ravikumar, speaking to Star of Mysore, revealed that the lake was once restored with State Government funds, which facilitated the construction of a walking path and other amenities. However, the absence of regular maintenance rendered these efforts futile.

Even the once-functional water purification system, designed to treat polluted water before releasing it into the lake, has been neglected, further contributing to water contamination.

Bogadi Lake is on verge of total ecological collapse. Without early intervention, it risks becoming a stagnant pool of waste — a tragic fate for what once held promise of being a picturesque and thriving water body. It is high time the authorities prioritise the lake’s restoration before its beauty is lost forever.

Bogadi Lake, approximately 399  years old, boasts significant water storage capacity. Rainwater from the Vijayanagar and Hinkal areas flows into this lake, helping maintain its water levels. It is also part of the larger Lingambudhi Lake catchment system, which spans 22 sq.kms. —Prof. U.N. Ravikumar, Water Conservation Expert

The MCC has submitted a proposal under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, seeking funds from the Central Government for the development and conservation of several lakes in Mysuru. Among them, Rs. 7 crore has been requested specifically for Bogadi Lake. We are awaiting the Government’s approval for the grant. —K.J. Sindhu, Superintending Engineer, Mysuru City Corporation