JOIN USKLCDA experts want desilting of Kukkarahalli lake stopped
The Technical Committee constituted by the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) to study the pros and cons of desilting Kukkrahalli lake has recommended diversion of the existing inlets and filling up of the lake with clean water instead of desilting the lake.
The University of Mysore (UoM), the custodian of the lake, had taken up development works, including desilting at a cost of Rs 3 crore but following opposition from eco-activists, Deputy Commissioner D Randeep had asked the university to stop the works.
The technical team, comprising Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, retired professor Rama Prasad and retired engineer C N Babu, objected to the university’s move to desilt the lake.
The experts have observed that sewage comes through natural drains and carries rainwater during monsoon. The rainwater should be diverted because it gets mixed with sewage and pollutes the lake. The members have recommended pumping out existing polluted water before filling the lake with clean water.
The draining of the lake should be taken up in consultation with environment experts and ornithologists, the report states.
According to the report, the tell-tale signs in the desilted area for the purpose of measurement indicated that silt deposited was of 15 centimeters thickness but soil was removed up to a depth of one metre which means original mother soil was removed and not the silt, which should be avoided.
The committee has recommended fixing an e-water harmoniser system, including five horse power (HP) jet pumping unit, floating drum deck, fixing of diffused aerator system, construction of the boating jetty, orchidarium, butterfly park, bamboo park, adventure park and aquarium.
The experts have observed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR), totaling Rs 95 lakh for the lake considered in 2012, has not included measures to improve the quality of the lake. The DPR contained estimates for fencing, improvement of the channels, establishment of botanical gardens and laying of a walking path. A sum of Rs 45 lakh was earmarked for chain link fence and Rs 50 lakh for bund improvement.