‘Mysuru Water Positive by 2021’, an initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mysuru and the district administration, aims to bring industry bodies together to drive rejuvenation and conservation of lakes in and around Mysuru.
Ramakrishne Gowda, joint director of the District Industries Centre, Mysuru, and Arjun Ranga, chairman of CII Mysuru, performed the grou nd-breaking ceremony for the initiative at Kempegowdana Katte lake on Monday. The lake lies adjacent to the Outer Ring Road near Lalitadripura.
The rejuvenation of the one-acre of Kempegowdana Katte lake is being funded by the State Bank of India, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. “With the support of the residents’ associations in the area, the lake can be restored and maintained well. The government and CII can initiate such projects, but it is in the hands of the residents to look after the lakes,” said Mr. Gowda.
Mr. Ranga said: “It’s a great opportunity for us to partner with the government’s efforts to make Mysuru the first ‘water-positive’ city in India. To achieve this, we need to create a healthier ecosystem and save lakes through rejuvenation, restoration, conservation, and maintenance.”
He said Mysuru has more than 25 lakes and, to begin with, the group has identified 15 lakes in and around Mysuru that are well-connected. “CII Mysuru and its member companies will work closely with district administration in the protection, conservation and sustainable management of lakes in Mysuru,” he said.
“Some companies have shown interest and efforts are under way in bringing many more aboard on this project, so that substantial benefit and a robust brand image is created for Mysuru,” Mr. Ranga said.
The rejuvenation project includes silt removal, erecting fences, constructing and strengthening the bund around the lake, removing encroachments if any, planting of ornamental plants around the late, and constructing a walker’s path. The project is being implemented by MYKAPS, a spin-off organisation of Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency, an NGO.
Members of a welfare association from K.R. Srinivasan IPS Nagar promised all support for the maintenance of the lake going forward.
