<div>The Kelageri Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Dharwad, situated on the Goa-Alnavar Road. <br /><div> </div><div>The lake endowed with its natural beauty exudes magnificence and lends a mystic beauty to the beholder’s eyes. </div><div> </div><div>This lake was a brainchild of the renowned engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya and was built in March 1911 to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the people in Dharwad. <br /></div><div><br />It served the needs of the people for over a century. </div><div> </div><div>Many years ago, the lake covered a large expanse of area of 230 acres but now the waters have receded and it has reduced in size. <br /><br />On the right side of the lake, is the NH 4 with the Pune-Bangalore bypass which gives an easy access to visit the spot.</div><div> </div><div>Two years ago, the lake got a facelift and a beautiful garden was developed around it by the district administration at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore. <br /><br />After the lake got a facelift, the number of visitors also increased especially during weekends and holidays and became a favourite hangout of people. <br /><br /></div><div>The Kalmeshwar Temple, built on the edge of the lake, is nearing completion, and will be an added facet. <br /><br />The beautiful garden bordering the lake is full of rare ornamental plants and flowers which add to the charm of the environment. </div><div> </div><div>A walking path constructed with pavement for the convenience of walkers has attracted many joggers from in and around Dharwad. <br /><br /></div><div>Walking on the pavement and watching the sunrise or the sunset at the horizon fills one’s heart with ecstasy.</div><div> </div><div>However, over a period of time the lake has been neglected. <br /><br />The garden has lost its sheen due to lack of maintenance and about some 2,000 rare plants have been damaged. </div><div> </div><div>The authorities who initially showed interest and maintained the lake garden very systematically have not bothered to keep up with the maintenance. </div><div> </div><div>Now work to develop the Kelageri Lake as a centre of water sports along with a walking track, amphitheatre, children's park, view points and boating facilities is on the cards. <br /><br /></div><div>Presently the road in front of the lake is being further widened. <br /><br />A one hundred crore proposal from the government for the developmental works is still waiting for approval. <br /><br />If it goes through, it will make this beautiful lake a good picnic spot. </div><div><br /></div></div>
<div>The Kelageri Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Dharwad, situated on the Goa-Alnavar Road. <br /><div> </div><div>The lake endowed with its natural beauty exudes magnificence and lends a mystic beauty to the beholder’s eyes. </div><div> </div><div>This lake was a brainchild of the renowned engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya and was built in March 1911 to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the people in Dharwad. <br /></div><div><br />It served the needs of the people for over a century. </div><div> </div><div>Many years ago, the lake covered a large expanse of area of 230 acres but now the waters have receded and it has reduced in size. <br /><br />On the right side of the lake, is the NH 4 with the Pune-Bangalore bypass which gives an easy access to visit the spot.</div><div> </div><div>Two years ago, the lake got a facelift and a beautiful garden was developed around it by the district administration at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore. <br /><br />After the lake got a facelift, the number of visitors also increased especially during weekends and holidays and became a favourite hangout of people. <br /><br /></div><div>The Kalmeshwar Temple, built on the edge of the lake, is nearing completion, and will be an added facet. <br /><br />The beautiful garden bordering the lake is full of rare ornamental plants and flowers which add to the charm of the environment. </div><div> </div><div>A walking path constructed with pavement for the convenience of walkers has attracted many joggers from in and around Dharwad. <br /><br /></div><div>Walking on the pavement and watching the sunrise or the sunset at the horizon fills one’s heart with ecstasy.</div><div> </div><div>However, over a period of time the lake has been neglected. <br /><br />The garden has lost its sheen due to lack of maintenance and about some 2,000 rare plants have been damaged. </div><div> </div><div>The authorities who initially showed interest and maintained the lake garden very systematically have not bothered to keep up with the maintenance. </div><div> </div><div>Now work to develop the Kelageri Lake as a centre of water sports along with a walking track, amphitheatre, children's park, view points and boating facilities is on the cards. <br /><br /></div><div>Presently the road in front of the lake is being further widened. <br /><br />A one hundred crore proposal from the government for the developmental works is still waiting for approval. <br /><br />If it goes through, it will make this beautiful lake a good picnic spot. </div><div><br /></div></div>
