By September this year, the Mannu Palla lake here is bound to look different and more beautiful.
The Udupi Urban Development Authority has taken up a Rs. 1.03 crore-project for dredging and beautification of the lake and its surroundings.
The total area of this picturesque lake, right in the middle of educational hub of Manipal, is about 100 acres. There are shady trees on most parts of the 40 acres.
A small half-acre island with trees amid the lake adds to its beauty. The Nirmiti Kendra has already started implementing the project to beautify the lake.
Dredging is already on at the lake in order to increase the water retention capacity of the lake and remove the silt. According to Arun Kumar, director of Nirmit Kendra, already over 500 truck loads of silt has been removed from the lake. Another 1,160 truck loads of silt would be removed by the end of this month.
Since there is no proper fencing of the lake, a two km-long fence would be built around it.
The fencing work alone would cost Rs. 47 lakh. A proper fence will keep intruders away and stop any encroachments.
As many as 29 sign boards would be put at different locations of the lake. A water tank of 75,000 litres would be built and this would be used to water trees around the lake.
There is already a jogging track around the lake. As many as 50 solar lamps would be installed besides this track to improve visibility during the evenings.
To maintain cleanliness around the lake, 50 dustbins would be installed around it.
Amphitheatre
An amphitheatre is also being constructed near the lake to hold cultural and other programmes.
The district administration also has plans to introduce boating and water sports in the lake once its water retention capacity is increased. An amount of Rs. 20 lakh per year is required for the maintenance of the lake and its surroundings.
“We find a sponsor or get funds from Corporate Social Responsibility of companies for the upkeep of the lake. We want to develop it as an active and happening place,” said Deputy Commissioner R. Vishal.