You may soon get to enjoy boating in Ulsoor Lake

Tourist attraction

Boating may resume in Ulsoor lake after a gap of three years. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has once again shown interest in renewing boating activities which were halted in 2013.

The KSTDC is expected to take up the matter with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is the custodian of the lake, later this week.

Boating in the lake was stopped as the lease had lapsed. “Once the lease agreement is renewed, we will begin boating activities,” KSTDC Chairman  S A Hussain told Deccan Herald. This time, more boats are expected to be introduced.

The KSTDC also plans to start a floating restaurant to attract tourists. The KSTDC’s last lease was valid for five years. The corporation now hopes to get a lease for 10-15 years as the venture will not be profitable otherwise.

Ulsoor lake, one of the most popular water bodies in Bengaluru, has been in constant glare of late. In May, incidents of fishkill were reported due to a drop in the levels of dissolved oxygen in its water. A KSTDC official said containing water pollution would be the BBMP’s responsibility. Another official said, “The Tourism department is only concerned with improving tourism revenue and making the lake more attractive. Besides, if the water is constantly used, it will be well-maintained.”

Palike noncommittal

Boating for the general public was started in Ulsoor lake in 1983 before it was stopped in 2013 after the KSTDC’s lease got over. The corporation didn’t show interest in renewing the lease. Presently, the Army’s Madras Engineer Group uses a portion of the lake to train its cadets.

A senior BBMP official confirmed that the KSTDC had approached the civic body to restart boating services.

The official said the BBMP would first push for opening a sewage treatment plant in the lake to improve its water quality before boating facilities are reintroduced.

Rs 4-crore plan

The BBMP, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have prepared a Rs 4-crore plan to set up the plant and provide for sewage diversion.