Neglect turns Gowrikere into dump yard, cesspool

The Gowrikere, situated near Omkareshwara temple in the heart of the city, has become a garbage dump yard and a cesspool with the sewage from surrounding areas flowing into it.

Sadly, the residents in the areas near the lake have also started dumping trash including plastic into the water body.

Incidentally, the lake is being used by the residents of over 25 layouts in Madikeri to immerse Gowri-Ganesha idols every year.

Without proper maintenance, the lake has turned into a garbage dump yard and residents now fear the spread of diseases from the water body. A majority of the tourists who visit Omkareshwara temple throw waste materials including plastic bottles and carry bags into the lake. Even the trash thrown on the roads enters Gowrikere during the rainy season, said residents.

Chandan Rao, a resident of Gowlibeedi, said, “The City Municipal Council cleans the lake during Ganesha festival. There is a need to protect the sanctity of the lake by taking up cleanliness drive at least once a week.”

In the past, the lake was known as “Dobi kere.” Later, it was cleaned up to facilitate the immersing of Gauri-Ganesha statues in 2001 and came to be known as “Gowrikere.”

Naveen, a resident of Mallikarjuna Nagara, said, “Sanitation workers should be deployed around Omkareshwara temple by the CMC.”

To a query on pathetic condition of Gaurikere, City Municipal Council president Kaveramma Somanna said, “The CMC had been receiving complaints of increasing garbage in and around the temple. Measures will be taken to place dustbins in the area.”