Dakshina Kannada’s Neglected Lakes Face Grim Future

The once-bustling lakes of undivided Dakshina Kannada are now in a dire state, with six large lakes and hundreds of smaller ones nearing desiccation due to neglect. Despite rejuvenation efforts—₹15 crore spent on 38 lakes in Udupi and ₹10 crore on 30 lakes in Dakshina Kannada—government funding for lake development has ceased since 2023-24.

Under the Amrit Sarovar scheme, 150 lakes were revitalized, but their condition quickly deteriorated. Post-monsoon, many lakes are choked with weeds and algae due to poor maintenance. Development efforts included bund construction, desilting, walking tracks, and seating areas, yet within a year, these water bodies reverted to neglect.

Large lakes, spanning 414 hectares across both districts, remain largely abandoned. Notable ones like Kavoor Lake in Mangaluru and Karinjeshwara Lake in Bantwal are overrun with silt and weeds. Committees formed for maintenance have failed to deliver, citing a lack of revenue and consistent funding.

The minor irrigation department maintains lakes only if used for agriculture. “The six large lakes in the region don’t support agriculture, so we don’t maintain them,” explained the executive engineer of Mangaluru.

With lakes crucial for groundwater recharge, their neglect poses serious environmental risks. District administrations, panchayats, and concerned departments must act urgently to preserve these lifelines before they dry up entirely.

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