Historic Perumbadi lake waiting for facelift

 Perumbadi lake situated on the border of Kerala in Kodagu is in neglected state. None of the government departments have initiated any measures to develop the lake.

In 1997, the Central government had started boating facility in the lake to promote tourism. However, as the number of tourists visiting Balugodu pravasi Kendra declined, the department incurred huge loss. The Pravasi Kendra was shifted to other place in December 1998.

Owing to lack of basic facilities, the lake remained neglected. The fence which was laid around the lake and the concrete seating arrangement was also shifted when the Pravasi Kendra was shifted from Balugodu village. The lake has been converted into a place to wash clothes and cattle.

With the heavy rains lashing Kodagu, the lake is overflowing. As the water is not clean, the villagers can not use it for drinking purpose. Wild elephants visit the lake to drink water during night, said villagers.

The herd of elephants from Nagarahole reserve forest come in search of food to the lake via Makutta.

The lake never goes dry. It will be full from June to September. Though the lake has a long history, none of the authorities have any documents on the history of the lake. Bettoli gram panchayat has not bothered on the development of the lake, alleged villagers.
The villagers said “the lake is vast and is full always. There is a need conserve the lake along with providing basic facilities and introducing boating facility to promote tourism.”