Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has prepared an action plan to develop eight lakes across Dakshina Kannada district at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore under its Funds 2 scheme. The initiative aims to revive neglected waterbodies, improve water conservation and create public amenities for surrounding communities.

MUDA chairperson Santhosh Kumar Shetty said major renovation work would be undertaken at Moorukatte lake in Kumpala, Ullal, and Anekere lake in Mulki, with Rs 5 crore earmarked for each waterbody.

The authority has also allocated funds for lake development at Harekala, Kodikere, Jappinamogaru, Amblamogaru and Devipura in Talapady. Work is expected to begin soon after a groundbreaking ceremony to be held in the presence of district minister U T Khader.

Rs 10 crore earmarked for two major lakes

Moorukatte lake in Kumpala and Anekere lake in Mulki are among the major projects included in MUDA’s lake development plan.

According to Shetty, the authority has reserved Rs 5 crore each for the restoration and development of the two lakes. The projects are expected to focus on improving the condition of the waterbodies and developing the surrounding areas.

The remaining allocations include Rs 2 crore for a lake spread across 57 cents of land at Harekala in Ullal and Rs 1.4 crore for Kodikere in Hosabettu ward of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).

Funds have also been reserved for developing two lakes in Jappinamogaru, along with one each in Amblamogaru and Devipura in Talapady.

Shetty said the projects would be taken up after the groundbreaking ceremony, which is expected to be attended by district minister U T Khader.

The initiative forms part of MUDA’s efforts to improve local waterbodies and develop public spaces through planned urban development projects.

Moorukatte lake in Kumpala set for revival

Moorukatte lake, also known as Moorukattapalla, in Kumpala has been identified for major restoration after years of neglect.

Sadashiva Ullal, former MUDA chairperson, said the lake had once served as an important water source for the surrounding region. However, inadequate maintenance and the accumulation of waste and debris have left the waterbody in a deteriorated condition.

Following a site survey and the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) last year, MUDA sanctioned Rs 5 crore for restoring the lake and developing basic public amenities in the surrounding area.

The proposed works include the restoration of the waterbody and the development of a new park, which could provide residents with an improved public space.

At present, the lake remains largely unusable because of accumulated debris, waste and a lack of regular maintenance.

The proposed investment is expected to provide an opportunity to restore the waterbody and improve its surroundings.

Locals seek protection of the two-acre waterbody

Residents of Kumpala have welcomed the proposed development, pointing out that Moorukatte lake covers approximately two acres and could be revived through proper planning and regular maintenance.

According to local residents, debris from surrounding areas flows into the lake during the rainy season and accumulates there, contributing to water pollution.

They have stressed the need to restore the lake and protect it from further deterioration.

The accumulation of waste and debris has raised concerns about the long-term condition of the waterbody, which residents say should be preserved for its environmental and community value.

Locals have urged the authorities to ensure that the development plan addresses not only the immediate restoration work but also the measures required to prevent future pollution.

Maintaining the lake after the completion of the project will be important to ensure that the investment delivers lasting benefits.

Lake development to include public amenities

The proposed restoration of Moorukatte lake includes the development of basic public amenities and a park alongside the waterbody.

Such facilities could provide residents with a recreational space while improving the appearance and usability of the surrounding area.

However, residents have emphasised that the lake’s restoration and protection must remain central to the project. Preventing the entry of waste and debris, particularly during the rainy season, will be essential to maintaining water quality.

The development of Anekere lake in Mulki and the other waterbodies identified under the action plan will also form part of the district-wide initiative.

With allocations made for eight lakes, the programme is expected to address several neglected waterbodies across Dakshina Kannada.

Rs 16 crore plan targets neglected waterbodies

MUDA’s lake development programme brings multiple restoration projects under a single action plan, with a total estimated investment of Rs 16 crore.

The allocations range from Rs 1.4 crore for Kodikere in Hosabettu to Rs 5 crore each for Moorukatte lake and Anekere lake. Other projects are planned at Harekala, Jappinamogaru, Amblamogaru and Devipura.

The next step will be the commencement of work following the proposed groundbreaking ceremony.

For communities such as Kumpala, where residents have raised concerns about years of neglect and pollution, the proposed restoration offers an opportunity to revive a waterbody that once served as an important local resource.

The long-term success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation, proper drainage arrangements and continued maintenance to prevent the lakes from falling into disrepair again.