Greens oppose commercial complex in Mysuru's Kukkarahalli lake buffer zone

Proposed construction of a private commercial multi-storied complex around Kukkarahalli lake eco sensitive buffer zone in Mysuru has sparked a row.

Environmentalists of Parisara Samrakshana Horaata Samithi, Parisarakkaagi Naavu, Mysore Grahakara Parishat and other environmentally concerned organisations are all up in arms against the project. They are anxious of its impact on the lake-which is the biodiversity hotspot and another identity of the city. They are concerned about protecting its serenity, natural beauty which has inspired authors like Kuvempu and R K Narayan.

Even as University of Mysore is the custodian of Kukkarahalli lake, Registrar of UoM M K Savitha has written a letter to Mysore Development Authority Commissioner K R Rakshith to review the order of 'change of land use' for this project.

She informed that based on the order of the State Urban Development Department passed on December 31, 2010, Mysore Development Authority has got change of land use for this project.

In the letter Savitha has stated that, the area of 2.20 acre where the proposed project is coming up is adjoining UoM campus and its Kukkarahalli lake buffer zone. Yet the UoM has not been informed about the project. The then Mysore City Improvement Trust Board had granted 10 acre of land to a private person as per Government order in 1945 for the purpose of fruit, flower and vegetable gardening enclosed with a neat fencing. In the sale deed it is very clearly stated, "the rights of enjoyment is subject to the condition that the land is used purely for the purpose for which it is granted. Only a farmhouse in the garden for stocking implements, manure, bullocks and for servants is permitted. Hence there is no provision to permit to use the land for construction of commercial building against the purpose for which it has been granted."

"When UoM proposed to build a regional science centre around the buffer zone of the lake earlier, the then DC of Mysuru had issued notice to UoM under Karnataka Land Revenue Act, objecting the construction stating that it will violate the norms of National Green Tribunal act. This land is at Eastern part of Kukkarahalli lake bund on the east and Jayalakshmi Vilas road on the North.The Government and order and change of land use has been availed without mentioning the presence of lake in the survey map," Savitha said.

Savitha has even written to surveyor seeking the survey map of the buffer area of Kukkarahalli lake.

Naturalist S Shailajesha, said, "Kukkarahalli lake is an Important Bird area and habitat for more than 250 resident, local migratory and migratory bird species. It attracts more than 20 species of migratory birds from other States and Countries including Himalayas and Japan from September to December. With declining green cover, modernisation, polluted lakes, loss of habitat and lack of welcoming feasible environment the birds in Mysuru and the migratory birds have almost declined by 40% over a decade. This proposed building will be a further threat to the entire ecosystem around Kukkarahalli lake. It should not be permitted, he said.

Parashuramegowda, State General Secretary of Parisarakkaagi Naavu said, "Kukkarahalli lake has a rich ecosystem featuring more than 100 species of plants, including herbs, shrubs and more than 1000 trees that harbours huge biodiversity. The proposed project will affect all these. MDA has to immediately review the order and revert the change of land use. Else we will protest before MDA to preserve and conserve Kukkarahalli lake, its buffer zone and the natural ecosystem."

Kukkarahalli Lake was built in the year 1864 to augment water supply to Mysuru city. The lake was handed over to UoM for maintaining its environment, ecology, fauna and flora in 1960. It is spread over 230 acre with 110 acre water body.