Fresh lease of life for lake

Fresh lease of life for lake
Deccan Herald

The tank that was a breeding ground for many diseases a few years back, today not just stands restored and rejuvenated, but, ready for a lot more excitement.

The tank that was a breeding ground for many diseases a few years back, today not just stands restored and rejuvenated, but, ready for a lot more excitement.

Nagavara Lake that was nightmarish with its water hyacinths, weeds and mosquitoes, is now a boating park, aspiring to attract water lovers from all across the City.

Lumbini Gardens on the Nagavara Lake front, started as a private-public partnership near Hebbal is a boating and leisure park with a variety of entertainment activities that have been introduced for the first time in Bangalore. The Gradens was inaugurated by former chief minister N Dharam Singh on Sunday.

Lake development

The project was executed under the supervision of the Lake Development Authority (LDA) which rejuvenated the lake.

According to LDA CEO B K Singh, the lake was leased out to the private firm, which has promised to conduct eco-friendly programmes at the premises, with its battery run boats, and the like.

The firm has invested Rs 10 crore to provide various facilities.

“Only 5 per cent of the designated land will be put to use, for which the firm will be paying the LDA Rs 40 lakh annually,” said Mr Singh. Entry fee to the Park is Rs 20, he added.

The lake was rejuvenated in the year 2004, and the project was started under the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) in the year 2002, with a project outlay of Rs 3 crore.

On offer

One can endeavour different boat rides and water entertainment on boats at the Lumbini Gardens from two seaters to 15 seaters.

An array of boats, a floating coffee shop and many more form an attraction.

There is also a water-skiing device for thrill seekers, alongside an exclusive speedboat.

There are a variety of activities catering to children who can enjoy swings, spanish bullfights and the like. Food courts and restaurants are also a part of this affair.

Locals protest

Residents of the area protested during the inaugural function, where they demanded that the name of the park be retained as Nagavara Park itself.

They felt that the name Lumbini did not cater to the Kannadiga sentiments and expressed their displeasure for having leased the Park to a private firm.