KSTDC plans eco-tourism at Allalasandra lake

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has proposed to develop Allalasandra lake at Yelahanka New Town into an eco-tourism destination.

KSTDC managing director Harsha told Deccan Herald that the Corporation had approached the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike with the proposal. Once the Palike comes out with it terms and conditions, the KSTDC will enter into an memorandum of understanding with the civic agency.

“As the lake is owned by the Palike, it will implement the project. The KSTDC will operate the tourism-related activities while the Palike will be the nodal agency. It has also been planned to launch eco-walks at the lake,” Harsha said.

He said the lake had high tourism potential since it was located close to the international airport, in the north zone of BBMP. The idea of promoting tourism at the 44-acre Allalasandra lake was mooted during the recent visit of the KSTDC team to the water body. However, the KSTDC officials said the proposal was still in a nascent stage.

Yelahanka MLA S R Vishwanath said plans were afoot to set up a bird sanctuary, introduce boating, exhibition for children, etc, near the lake. Boating will similar to the one at Halasur lake.

The members of Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA) have welcomed the proposal. “There are no picnic spots in our locality and hence, we end up travelling far for recreation. We had submitted a memorandum to the KSTDC managing director about the tourism prospects of the lake. The officials, after visiting the place, gave the green signal to develop it further,” said YUVA joint secretary Jagadish Giri.

Yelahanka lake, which also falls under the Yelahanka constituency, will also be turned into a tourist spot. MLA Vishwanath said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during his recent visit, had asked him to prepare an estimate for developing the 300-acre lake. He said he had directed the Palike officials to come out with a proposal at the earliest.