Mysuru: The city, once celebrated for its beautiful lakes, is now witnessing the slow death of its water bodies due to neglect and apathy on the part of civic agencies. The latest addition to this list is Malalavadi tank in Kuvempu Nagar, one of the oldest lakes located in the heart of the city. With no protection measures in place and no concrete action plan, the lake bed is now being routinely used for burning rubbish.With no govt agency showing interest in lake rejuvenation, this water body—once considered as significant as Kukkarahalli and Lingambudi lakes—has been reduced to a barren stretch. The catchment area was encroached upon, while the lake bed is filled with rubbish, turning it into a major eyesore.
Locals are demanding a time-bound action plan to revive the lake. Residents recall that the lake spread across Kuvempu Nagar and Jayanagara neighbourhoods, once covered nearly 50 acres. “This lake is also known as Jayanagara lake. Today, it is impossible to even identify its original boundaries as it is almost entirely filled with construction debris and rubbish. Every day, miscreants set the waste on fire, causing severe problems,” said Annaiah, a local resident.Locals allege that all kinds of waste—domestic to industrial—are being dumped in the lake bed and set ablaze. Despite repeated complaints, the officials failed to respond. If govt agencies do not act immediately, residents warn that the entire lake area could soon be encroached upon, given its prime location.Environmental activist UN Ravi Kumar pointed out that in 2012, when several lakes on the outskirts of the city were rejuvenated, this lake was deliberately excluded. “Earlier, water from this lake used to overflow and join Lingambudi lake. The lake can be revived from the Kuvempu Nagar side, if there is political will and action is taken,” he said.
