Glasshouse dream at Heggeri tank in Haveri shattered by lack of approvals

The ambitious plan to convert Heggeri Tank near NH-48 in Haveri into a major tourist spot has come to a halt, with the glasshouse project—initiated in 2017-18—now officially stalled due to regulatory hurdles. The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) denied the essential No Objection Certificate (NoC), citing laws that prohibit permanent structures in lake zones and buffer areas.

Despite an appeal in 2021 by the District Urban Development Department Cell, the KLCDA refused to budge. The Haveri City Municipal Council (CMC) had already begun construction without proper clearance, leading to a wasteful expenditure of Rs 2.60 crore and leaving the project just 20% complete after over seven years of slow progress.

The project, envisioned as a centerpiece attraction at Heggeri Kere, was initially budgeted at Rs 5.40 crore. However, only Rs 60 lakh of the core fund was utilized, and an additional Rs 2 crore from a Rs 3 crore allocation for retaining walls and access roads was spent.

Initially, the tank was dry when the project began, but heavy rains in later years refilled it, further delaying the already crawling construction. Local activist Abdul Hubballi slammed the authorities, accusing them of negligence and proceeding without mandatory permissions.

Reacting to the backlash, Haveri Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar confirmed that plans are underway to shift the project to another viable location.

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