Manipal: The Manipal Lake, also called Manapalla is all set for a make-over. A comprehensive project is being undertaken for the development of the lake and its surrounding region in order to convert it into a tourist spot.
Manapalla Development Committee (MDC) headed by former DC V Ponnuraj had taken the responsibility for this task. Other members of this committee include the Udupi Municipal Commissioner Gokul Das Nayak, social workers, specialist persons of their respective fields and elected representatives of Manipal. An estimate of Rs. 1.5 crore has been attained, which will be spent over the project. Tourism and Forest Departments have collaborated with MDC to transform the lake.
Fencing of the lake has been planned, for which a tender for Rs. 11.4 lakh has already been taken up by the Udupi Municipality. Afforestation is being carried out to enrich its biodiversity. 50-60000 fish-lings of Rohu, Catla and other varieties of fresh water fish have been released into the lake. Rotary Club funded an open auditorium built on the lines of the Hide Park of London, as part of their centenary celebrations. The Tourism Department is building a public toilet nearby. Five boats introduced boating to this region.
As per the development plans, around 2.4 kilometers of jogging track, playground, ayurvedic herbal garden, swimming pool, sunset point, green park, a botanical garden and a large fountain will be the crowd-pullers. For further development, around five acres of land in one corner will be commercially exploited. Also, a part of the area will be made suitable for use during birthday and other parties at a nominal rate.
The only opposing problem is of migrating laborers, who have illegally occupied the lake area coming with a set of their own problems. However, watching the progress, Manapalla is soon going to be a changed locality, becoming a haven for nature-lovers and others.
Sub-edited by Karishma Desai |
