Hariyappana lake awaits rejuvenation

Hariyappana lake, situated on Hebri - Karkala highway, has lost its sheen owing to the negligence of the authorities concerned.

The weeds and algae have surrounded the lake and silt has been accumulated. The lake has a protective wall and has scope for more collection of water if the silt is removed. The place can be developed as a tourist spot. The speciality of the lake is that it will not go dry even during peak summer.

The ‘Avabruthotsava,’ anointing ceremony of the deity of Kundeshwara temple used to be held on the banks of the lake, as per the tradition. If the silt is removed from the lake, then quantity of water is enough to supply to the people of Hirgana Gram Panchayat.

The minor irrigation department has submitted a proposal to the World Bank for financial assistance to rejuvenate lakes in the state. There is a scope for the rejuvenation of five thousand lakes, under the project. Hariyappana lake can also be developed under the project, say the residents.

“Neglected lakes need to be identified and developed,” say the residents. A team comprising Hirgana Gram Panchayat President Revathi V Shetty, members Sugandhi, Ramakrishna Nayak and others visited the lake recently to prepare a detailed project plan.

Revathi V Shetty said that a decision will be taken in the Panchayat meeting to seek financial assistance from the government for the rejuvenation of the lake. Steps will be taken to supply water from the lake. Also, the place will be developed as a tourist spot by proper fencing and construction of a park in the three acre land, she said.

Bharath Nirman volunteer Ennehole Mohammed Meera said: “I had recently read on World Bank's assistance to develop lakes. We, the Bharath Nirman volunteers started searching for lakes in my jurisdiction to rejuvenate. Rejuvenation on lake will help to improve the ground water table.”