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Background |
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Kukkarahalli lake was created in the year 1864, to provide water for irrigation for areas outside the Mysore city. Later on the lake was also used as a source of water supply to the city. Total area of Kukkarahalli lake is about 104 ha and the water spread area lake is 49 ha. The lake is located at the heart of the city within the campus of Mysore University. The lake is partly arboretum and partly aquatic habitat. 0ver the years the lake has deteriorated. The main causes are:
- Inflow of untreated sewage from Padavarahalli, Jayalakshmipuram, Ontikoppal and Mysore University and Karanataka Open University Padavarahalli, Jayalakshmipuram,
- Reduction of catchment area
- Indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes
- Chocking of storm water drains
- Non-optimal utilization of lake resources for medicinal plants, aquaculture etc.
- Non utilization of lake as a source of human and live stock biomass requirements
- Shrinking of feeder canal (Poornaiah canal) from 25 km to 5 km due to urbanization
- Siltation
- Open defecation
In 2001, huge eutrophication was reported and the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) level was also increased. Fish deaths were reported. In 2003-2004, Asian Development Bank released 0.3 million US $ for the revival of this lake. Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (KUIDFC) in association with the University of Mysore (under whose jurisdiction the lake falls) and citizens groups carried out the restoration works of the lake. Kukkarahalli Lake Conservation Committee headed by K. M. Jayaramaiah, Lecturer of Studies in Botany, Mysore University submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Environment and Forest so that people use only eco friendly paints for the idols. The toxic paints increase the level of lake pollution when these idols were immersed. According to Jayaramaiah, MOEF did not take any initiative. The committee suggested steps to revive the lake.
In 2004, water-harvesting facilities were suggested at heritage mansions and buildings that dot the area around the lake. These included the administrative office of the University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, the government guesthouse, Jaladarshini, and Kalamandira and other buildings situated on Vinoba Road. To improve the flow of water, the rainwater from these rooftops was released into the lake. In spite of all the efforts, the condition of the lake worsened. From 2005 onwards there was a huge decrease of biodiversity in the lake. Government allowed some organizations and institutions to construct buildings across in Poornaiah canal, which is the main stream of supplying water to Kukkarahalli lake. The Kukkarahalli Lake Protection Committee along with few concerned citizens and NGOs protested against this action. The deterioration of the lake continued.
This year the University received Rs. 3 crore from the State Government for restoration and development of the lake. A detailed project report (DPR) and a master plan will be prepared in due course.
The university has undertaken the task of clearing algae and weeds from the water surface. After trying many other methods, now they have employed a `sand sucking boat' to clear the dead plankton, weeds and the dead algae which have made the place stinky. The lake is under chemical treatment to remove the foul smell emanating from the decay collected on the water surface, especially on the lake bund facing Hunsur Road near Paduvarahalli. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Talwar suggested to divert the sewage flow with the help of the Mysore City Corporation. According to him the priority would be given to cleaning and revival part of the lake first.
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Links |
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Research paper:
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Bibliography
Jayaramaiah, K. M. 2009. Kukkarhalli Lake and Environment (Kannada). Samskruti publishers, Mysore |
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PEOPLE |
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Researcher
J Sahana
Information Science & Engg.
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering,
Mysore-570 006
Telephone: +91-821- 2548285, 2548286, 2548287, 2548288
2548289, Fax: 821 - 2548290
N. Ahalya and T.V. Ramachandra
Energy & Wetlands Research Group,
Centre for Ecological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore 560 012.
Shankar P. Hosmani and L. Vasanth Kumar
Department of Botany,
University of Mysore,
Manasagangothri,
Mysore - 570006
H.S. Sudhira and V. S. Kumar
Department of Environmental Engineering,
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering,
Mysore-570 006
Telephone: +91-821- 2548285, 2548286, 2548287, 2548288
2548289, Fax: 821 – 2548290
Dr. H R Uma
C/o Dr. M K Mahesh, 1008/5, University Quarters,
Opp. to firebrigade, Kantharaju's road,
Sarswathipuram, Mysore.
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NGO
Mysore Grahakara Parishat
6/1, Vivekananda Road
Yadavagiri, Mysore – 570 020
Government
K. M. Jayaramaiah
Lecturer
Ecology Laboratory
Department of Studies in Botany
Manasagangotri, University of Mysore
Mysore-570 006, Karnataka
Phone: +91-821-2419764
Email: kmj@botany.uni-mysore.ac.in
Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (KUIDFC)
Near Jayanagar Railway gate, Krishnamurthypuram
Mysore-570004, Karnataka
Phone: +91-821-2332805, 2332827
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