Karnataka government committed to conserving water bodies: C P Yogeeshwara

Minister for Tourism, Ecology and Environment C P Yogeeshwara on Saturday said that the state government is committed for the protection and development of water bodies and directed the officials concerned to maintain lakes and tanks in good shape.

The minister, who visited Lingambudhi Lake along with the officials of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Environment department, directed the officials to take measures to clean rainwater drains connected to the lake. The drains are not in good condition as they are filled with waste materials and plastic, said the minister.

The minister interacted with morning strollers and assured of taking measures to maintain cleanliness on the lake premises. The lake, spread over 220 acres, stores water on about 160 acres. The Forest department, which maintains the Lingambudhi Lake, had developed it a few years back. The lake is a hotspot for both migratory and local birds. Nearly, 200 species were documented on the lake premises.

Later, the minister visited Varuna Lake on T Narsipur Road and took out a boat ride.

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Yogeeshwara appreciated Infosys Foundation for rejuvenating Hebbal Lake under corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.

He took stock of the lake on Friday. He said that the conservation of the lake benefits several species of birds and has also improved groundwater.

The lake, which is developed by Infosys, will be jointly maintained by Tourism department, MCC, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Environment department.

“Hebbal Lake is a model. The authorities of MCC should take measures to develop other lakes and water bodies on the lines of Hebbal Lake. The officials should explore the possibilities of introducing programmes that would attract tourists to the lake premises,” he said.

The minister also visited Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, where a Disneyland-like project is planned. He interacted with the officials concerned on the development of KRS. The project is an extension of the Brindavan Garden and it will be taken up without harming the KRS dam, he said.