Dist admin seeks foreign help in conserving natural bodies

Lakes to be developed jointly by MCC, ICLEI, USAID, CDIA

In an attempt to overhaul the existing water bodies and to make Mysuru city more attractive, the district administration is planning to seek assistance from foreign experts.

A workshop on the ‘Relevance of an integrated drainage and climate change project for Mysuru City' linked to ‘Climate Change Adaptation Project Preparation and Financing in Urban India’ was conducted for the officials of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA),

Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden here on Friday.

According to the district administration, lakes such as Dalvoy, Shetty (Mandakalli) on Mysuru- Nanjangud road and Devaianahundi Kere and Kempaiahanahundi are expected to be developed jointly by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability South Asia, United States Agency International Developments (USAID) ADAPT Asia Pacific and Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA). However, the development of Jodi Lalithadripura Lake has been taken up by Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).

Delving on the topic, Climate Change Adaptation specialist, USAID, Bangkok, Saengroaj Srisawaskraisorn said according to the weather prognostications, Mysuru region experiences high-intensity and short-duration rainfall that could worsen flooding problems.

In wake of this, authorities concerned should focus on improving the existing feeder channels connecting the water bodies. Srisawakraisorn said there was ample scope for designing an integrated drainage project to rejuvenate the water bodies through channels.

For this, the potential climate impacts have to be taken into the consideration. It will also help address the issues such as safe disposal of solid waste and sewage. Otherwise, it may lead to overflowing drainages, worsening the situation further.

DC C Shikha said though the development of city was important, lack of space was the major hurdle, calling the authorities concerned to plan for sustainable development. In addition, the network of storm water drains has to be strengthened to ensure free flow of rain water.

It is also beneficial in recharging the underground water level and also overflowing of the storm water drain especially at the low lying areas. Under the initiative, the district administration aims to remove the blockages in the channels and desilt the lakes.