Kelageri lake: Public demands action over poor maintenance, DC calls for meeting

Dharwad: The Kelageri Lake in Dharwad, constructed by Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, is facing pollution issues due to inadequate maintenance and the surrounding environment. The public has urged the Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu to shift the maintenance responsibility of Kelageri Lake from the University of Agriculture to either the Municipal Corporation or the Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority.

During the Deputy Commissioner’s visit to the lake to inspect the lake, the public submitted a memorandum, citing concerns such as silt accumulation, weed growth, and sewage entering the lake, causing inconvenience for walkers and the public.

After examining the lake’s surrounding, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu stated that she would convene a joint meeting of officials to address the public’s demands and take appropriate action.

The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has allocated Rs. 5 crore, and the Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority has earmarked Rs. 5 crore for Kelageri Lake’s development, formulating an action plan. A comprehensive report to develop lake and a park at an estimated cost of Rs. 35 crore will be prepared and submitted to the government. A joint meeting involving officials from the Municipal Corporation, Urban Development Authority, Water Board, and University of Agriculture will be held to discuss and decide on this, she added.

Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority Commissioner Dr. Santosh Biradar, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Executive Engineer Anand Zalaki, HUDA Executive Engineer Rajasekhar, Assistant Engineer Devagiri, Nature Research Center and Nature First Eco Village Chief P.V. Hiremath, KVV Professor Dr. V.L. Patil, Dheeraj Virannagowdar, R.G. Timmapur, Kumar Bhagavat, Aslam Abbihal, and others were present.

 DC participates in bird count:

Over the past three days, a bird count has been organized in and around Kelageri Lake in collaboration with Nature Research Center and Nature First Eco Village. Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu participated in today’s bird count from 6 am to 8 am, recording bird numbers and movements through binoculars.