Mysuru: The initiative to rejuvenate Thippayyana Lake situated adjacent to ring road in Lalithadripura by Confederation of Indian Industries and district administration funded by Automotive Axles has finally yielded results. Notably the water storage capacity level in the lake which was being used as a dumping ground earlier has almost doubled after rejuvenation.
Deputy Commissioner D Randeep inspected the ongoing rejuvenation of the lake and was impressed with the increase of water storage capacity at the lake.
The 9.5 acre lake which had turned into a dumping yard had just 1,25,36,000 ltr water storage capacity. In May 2017, CII along with district administration with financial assistance from Automotive Axles to the tune of Rs 25 lakh took up the initiative to rejuvenate and conserve the lake. After nearly three months, the silt which had accumulated for decades, affecting the water storage capacity in the tank has been removed. After the silt removal, a considerably improvement was evident not only in the water storage of lake but also for the surrounding borwell since the underground water level has gone up. Now after nearly three months and with just three good rain in the catchment area as on August 26, the water storage at the lake gone up to 2, 50,00,000, with an increase of 1,24, 64,000ltr.
Mahadeva of Sardar Valabai Patel area said “The water tables in the surrounding areas like Lalithadripura, Alanahalli and Nandanahalli were depleted by almost 300ft and many of the borewells had gone defunct in surrounding places but now due to recharge of ground water due to rejuvenation of the lake we have started to get borewell water every alternate days as compared to earlier used four or five days earlier”.
The rejuvenation of lake included ridding of sewage flow, desilting, erecting of fences to give a clear identity of the lake, removal of encroachment if any, gardens, sitting and walking area.
Deputy Commissioner D Randeep speaking after inspecting the ongoing rejuvenation of the lake work said, “There are 26 lakes across the city. In another two years, we will try to rejuvenate and conserve 15 lakes. Once these lakes are rejuvenated they can also attract tourists and increase more migratory birds. Apart from this it will also recharge ground water and provide water to the people. First we try to increase the water storage later we will take up issues like drainage water entering lake. Once these water are free from drainage water we can provide these water for agriculture purpose as well. Lot of major cities are facing problems of encroachment of lakes resulting in flooding of cities”. He also called upon the authorities to ensure inlet lines at lake are maintained.
N Muthukumar, President and Whole Time Director of Automotive Axles Limited, who took the initiative to rejuvenate the lake said, “This is the best lake in the city. With just three rains in catchment area, the lake has almost got filled. The rejuvenation of lake is almost done and now it’s the responsibility of local people to see that it is conserved and protected. We have plans to install lights and seating arrangements for the people. In future we have planned to give new lease of life to more such lakes. In another ten years, water will cost more than petrol; hence we should start giving importance to these activities”.
Ramakrishnegowda, Joint Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Mysuru district who also instrumental in giving new lease of life to the lake was also present and called upon the local residents to preserve the lake. The local resident also requested Deputy Commissioner to take measures to avoid drainage water to enter the lake.
