Mysuru: Visitors to Kukkarahalli Lake are being warned against venturing close to the water as concerns over crocodile attacks grow at the popular city landmark. Despite warning boards installed around the lake, several visitors are reportedly ignoring the precautions and approaching the water’s edge, particularly near Kuvempu Vana.
The situation has raised concerns among regular walkers and residents, who fear that continued access to the water’s edge could result in a serious accident. Some visitors have reportedly been sitting close to the water with their feet in it, while others gather at the spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Youngsters have also been seen throwing stones and splashing sticks into the water, behaviour that could increase the risk of encounters with crocodiles.
Crocodiles can move beyond the water
The presence of crocodiles makes the lake’s shoreline a potentially dangerous area for visitors. While crocodiles spend considerable time in water, they are semi-aquatic reptiles and can also move on land.
They are known to bask along the banks, move between water and land, and use areas around water bodies for nesting. This means that simply staying on the bank does not necessarily eliminate the risk if visitors move too close to the shoreline.
Apart from the threat posed by crocodiles, approaching the water’s edge creates another danger — slipping and falling into the lake. Visitors, particularly children and youngsters, could be at greater risk if they enter restricted or unsafe areas.
Walkers seek fencing around the lake
Regular walkers around Kukkarahalli Lake have urged the University of Mysore, which manages the lake, to install sturdy metal fencing along the entire perimeter.
The lake has a walking pathway stretching about 4.5 km. However, several sections, especially along the Hunsur Road side, do not have protective barriers.
In contrast, portions along the Bogadi Road side already have fencing. Residents and morning walkers have suggested that a similar safety arrangement should be extended to other vulnerable stretches around the lake.
Walkers have stressed that conservation and public safety should go hand in hand. A properly designed fence could discourage visitors from reaching the water’s edge while allowing people to continue using the lake’s walking track.
Warning boards have faded
Another concern is the condition of the warning boards installed around Kukkarahalli Lake.
Several boards cautioning visitors about crocodiles have reportedly faded and become difficult to read. Some of the iron boards have rusted and deteriorated, raising questions about whether they continue to serve their intended purpose.
The boards displaying the lake’s opening and closing timings are also said to be in poor condition, with lettering worn out and supporting frames showing signs of rust.
Residents have called for damaged boards to be replaced and for clearer signage to be installed at strategic locations. More visible warnings could help remind visitors of the risks before they approach the shoreline.
Lake timings and public access
Kukkarahalli Lake is open to the public between 6 am and 10 am and again from 4 pm to 7 pm. Entry is restricted during the remaining hours.
The timings mean that the lake receives visitors during the morning and evening hours, when people commonly use the area for walking, recreation and enjoying the surroundings.
With many visitors frequenting the lake during these periods, residents believe that safety measures need to be maintained regularly rather than being introduced only after an incident.
Environmental concerns also remain
The safety issue is not the only concern surrounding Kukkarahalli Lake. Environmentalists have also called for steps to prevent sewage from entering the water body.
Kukkarahalli Lake is an important ecological and recreational space in Mysuru, and maintaining its water quality is essential for preserving its biodiversity and surroundings. Efforts to protect the lake, therefore, need to address both environmental conservation and visitor safety.
The presence of crocodiles is part of the lake’s natural ecosystem, but authorities face the challenge of ensuring that visitors understand the risks associated with getting too close to wildlife.
Stronger safety measures needed
The concerns raised by walkers and residents point to the need for a coordinated safety plan at Kukkarahalli Lake. Installing fencing along vulnerable stretches, replacing faded warning boards and ensuring regular maintenance could help prevent visitors from entering dangerous areas.
At the same time, visitors need to follow the warnings already in place and avoid approaching the water, particularly when crocodiles are known to inhabit the lake.
Kukkarahalli Lake remains an important part of Mysuru’s natural landscape. Protecting the lake and its wildlife while ensuring the safety of people who visit it will require responsible behaviour from the public and sustained attention from the authorities.