In a span of less than two years, the habitat at the Lalithadripura lake, one of the city’s last few remaining waterbodies, has seen a considerable change in its ecosystem, attracting many winged visitors.
The Mysuru zoo adopted the waterbody on the foothills of Chamundi about two years ago and developed the place making use of its expertise in managing Karanji lake which has turned into one of the major tourist destinations here.
Besides creating an island and planting varieties of plants, the zoo developed the lake environs as a lung space for residents in the vicinity, established a walkway and built a gazebo for the benefit of yoga enthusiasts and walkers.
Zoo director Ajit Kulkarni said the lake has been attracting at least 25 species of bird, including Baya weaver birds that have built more than ten nests on the trees. This shows the birds have found the place safe for breeding with no disturbance around the area, he added.
Not as big
The lake is not as big as Karanji or Kukkarahalli but its ecology has an important role to play considering that it is closer to the foothills and only a few lakes remain in Mysuru that once boasted of many waterbodies.
“The lake was not in good shape when we adopted it though sewage flow continues to be an issue. But the zoo management tried to improve its environs with various interventions. We have been conducting activities like Environment Day and also drawing competitions on nature for children in the lake surroundings so that people get close to the lake ecosystem and safeguard it for future generations,” Mr Kulkarni said.
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