Lake tourism in city soon

Lake tourism in city soon
Lake tourism will add another dimension to this ever-changing city
The Times of India

Bangalore, the city of many sobriquets, is on the verge of adding one more tag, that of a lake city. Come 2006, the city will have two lakes to entertain people. From water sports to restaurants to amusement parks, the facilities here will be a perfect setting for a day out and will serve as a retreat for people of this city.

Speaking on the two lake tourism projects, B K Singh, CEO of Lake Development Authority (LDA), said, "two Bangalore-based companies, Lumbini Garden and Parcibana have been entrusted with Nagavara and Vengayanakere to carry out lake tourism at an annual fees of Rs 15 lakhs each. While the agreement for Nagavara was signed in December 2004, the Vengayanakere contract was inked in May.

This is the first time that such an initiative is taken and we hope it will be a big hit here as Bangaloreans always want something new".

Under the expression of interest, the firms will carry out the activities for five years with options of extensions for another five years, provided they stick to all the terms and conditions stated in the contract. The firms have taken a year's time to put in place the entire necessary infrastructure after which financial years will commence for five consecutive years.

The firms will be entitled to utilise four percent of the lake area to put up structures be it for restaurants, shops or amusement park. The condition though is that all the activities here should be eco-friendly. "The firms are expected to invest nearly Rs 6 crores for a variety of water sports such as speedboats, water bikes etc. There will also be an entry fee and for fitness enthusiasts who use jogging tracks there will be a monthly pass, Singh said and added that the technical committee of the Lake Development Authority after going through the entire project report has by large approved all the activities proposed by the firms.

Apart from carrying out the economic activities, the firms will be responsible for clearing weeds and cleaning the lake, and keeping at bay sewage water, apart from maintaining green spaces in and around the lake area.

There is some cheer for the residents of Bangalore North and East as tenders have been floated for taking up Hebbal Lake and Jaraganahalli Lake for lake tourism, said the Lake Development Authority chief. "Soon we will shortlist the successful bidders and work on these lakes will be carried out".