29-07-2025
6 lakes in Mys to be rejuvenated using development cess
Mysuru: In a significant step towards ecological restoration, the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) is set to rejuvenate six lakes across Mysuru, utilising Rs 40 crore collected as lake development cess over the past two years.
This fund, which remained unutilised, will now be deployed to restore major waterbodies, including Dalvoy lake, Hinkal lake, Huyilalu lake, and Vajamangala lake. The decision was taken by the Lake Development Committee chaired by deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, with MDA receiving formal approval to initiate the ambitious lake revival project.
Dalvoy lake, spread over 134 acres near Mandakalli on the Mysuru-Nanjangud Road, will receive the largest share of Rs 15 crore.
The project includes large-scale desilting, bund strengthening, chain-link fencing, landscaped walkways, culverts, ornamental arches, solar-powered fountains, decorative lighting, and public amenities like rest areas and toilets. Huyilalu lake (13.3 acres), Hinkal lake (5.9 acres), Devanur lake (12.4 acres), and lakes in Bugathagalli, Vajamangala, and Nadanahalli will each receive Rs 5 crore for rejuvenation.
The scope of work includes jungle clearance, desilting, crash barriers, revetments, contour bunds, fencing, interlocking tiles, steps, and cattle ramps. A total of 13 lakes are proposed for development, but the MDA will initially focus on four key lakes, with tenders expected to be floated within 15-20 days after securing administrative approval from the state govt.
Plans to improve aesthetics
Speaking to TOI, KR Rakshit, commissioner, MDA, said, "This project will not only restore water storage capacity and improve aesthetics but also create a healthy ecosystem for birds and a recreational environment for the public.
We are starting with four lakes and will scale up as approvals are received." Apart from large lakes, smaller waterbodies across Mysuru will also be revived under this initiative, aiming to combat encroachment, improve biodiversity, and promote sustainable urban development.
KM Jayaramaiah, former member of the Karnataka Lakes Conservation and Development Authority, said, "I welcome the initiative of district administration in taking up the rejuvenation of lakes in Mysuru.
The money which is being collected for the protection of lakes is rightly being used, and due to this, encroachment of lakes can also be minimised. I appreciate the concern of MDA towards this project."
While major waterbodies like Kukkarahalli lake, Karanji lake, and Lingambudi lake receive attention, the authorities are now focusing on the preservation of the lakes in the city's outskirts, which are seeing rapid growth with several private players developing layouts. The authorities are planning to focus on lake preservation to ensure that they remain intact before it is too late.
