Rs 3.30-crore restoration work on Bairadi Kere: MLA J R Lobo

MLA J R Lobo said that Bairadi Kere in Padil will be developed at a cost of Rs 3.30 crore. Along with removing the silt to recharge the water table, a jogging track, a garden and a swimming pool will be developed in the vicinity.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone and unveiling the blue print of the development works to be initiated by the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the Minor Irrigation Department at the Padil Junction on Tuesday, the legislator said that the Minor Irrigation Department has earmarked Rs 79 lakh while the MUDA has earmarked for Rs 2.50 crore for the development of the lake. The technical estimate will be approved in the next one and a half months and the work will commence.

Stating that there is no plan to construct a big swimming pool, the MLA said that a small swimming pool for children, with all safety features, will be planned. “All encroachments on the surroundings of the lake will be cleared. There is a need to conserve lakes and give importance to the recharging of ground water level. Two lakes in Kadri, Batrakere, Kemmarkere, Gujjarakere and a lake in Jeppinamogaru is being developed,” said Lobo.

Sewage entering the Gujjarakere is one of the biggest problems, the MLA said. To plug the sewage percolating into the Gujjarakere, works worth Rs 5 crore is being taken up, he added. MUDA president Suresh Ballal said that the Authority will give thrust on restoration of lakes in the region, and conserving the water sources. “In addition, the MUDA will develop Urwa Market and Kadri Park,” he said. Dr Annaiah Kulal of Bairadi Kere Samrakshana Samithi said that the local residents should join hands with the elected representatives in the conservation of lakes.

‘Action against pollution’
Lobo said that stringent action will be initiated against those who dump waste or let sewage directly into the lake. “Various organisations are making an effort to clean the lake in the last two years. However, it looks like the residents are letting out waste into the lake. Action will be initiated through the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board,” he added. Deputy Mayor Rajaneesh and others were present on the occasion.