Manipal: The scenic Manipal Lake, once a favorite destination for nature lovers, joggers, and tourists, is fast losing its charm due to mounting negligence and lack of maintenance. What was once a pristine eco-spot in the heart of the town is now turning into a dumping ground, sparking concern among locals and environmentalists alike.
Famed for attracting a variety of resident and migratory birds, the lake has also been a daily retreat for hundreds of walkers and fitness enthusiasts. However, the recent sight of garbage floating on the water’s surface — including plastic bags, glass bottles, and food wrappers — paints a grim picture.
Despite the availability of dustbins along the pathway, many remain unused as irresponsible visitors continue to litter. While parts of the jogging track remain relatively clean, nearby areas are overwhelmed by trash. The worst pollution is seen along the lake’s edge, where plastics entangle with aquatic plants, threatening the health of fish, birds, and turtles.
Several benches and shelters have become unusable due to algae growth, mud accumulation, and stagnant water. Rainwater runoff has made access difficult, particularly for seniors and families with young children.
Manipal Lake, once a symbol of civic pride and a key attraction in the town’s eco-tourism plans, now faces environmental degradation. Regular visitors and activists are urging immediate intervention by authorities to clean the lake, improve waste management, and promote eco-awareness among the public.
Without urgent action, a vital green lung of Manipal may be lost forever.