Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 18: In a significant push to revive traditional water bodies and strengthen the city’s ecological base, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has launched the process of developing four of its historic lakes under the Amrut 2.0 mission. Survey work for the ambitious initiative is already in progress.
According to officials, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been drawn up for the rejuvenation of the Kadri Jogimath Lake cluster, Bairadi Lake in Padil, Baggundi Lake in Kulai, and the Mallikarjuna Lake in Kadekar. Administrative approval for these DPRs has also been secured.
Status of the lakes
Survey teams are presently assessing conditions at the Jogimath Lake in Kadri, while the Bairadi Lake has completed its survey phase and has moved to DPR preparation. The expansive Baggundi Lake, covering nearly 50 acres, is also slated for development; however, land disputes have stalled completion of the survey. Meanwhile, the Mallikarjuna Lake in Kadekar has finished its survey, with its DPR now being processed.
The projects follow approval granted by the Central Government’s Apex Committee under Amrut 2.0 tranche-3, which cleared proposals for rejuvenating water bodies and creating green and recreational spaces across several states.
As per the guidelines, all encroachments on lake beds and adjoining park areas must be removed before work begins. Any escalation in costs — stemming from rising material prices, tender delays, or land acquisition—must be met entirely from the Urban Local Body’s own revenue sources.
Residents have long voiced concerns about half-complete urban improvement projects in Mangaluru, particularly around Kadri Park, where several earlier announcements failed to materialise in full. The recently developed Gujjarakere continues to receive sewage inflow, with many fundamental issues still unresolved.
Civic groups argue that such shortcomings should serve as caution for upcoming lake works. They insist that core problems such as sewage diversion, drainage management, and encroachment clearance must take precedence over mere beautification. Cosmetic upgrades, they warn, would leave the lakes “looking good on the outside while dying on the inside”.
The proposed investment for the lake rejuvenation projects has been outlined in detail. The Kadri Jogimath Lake and its surrounding areas are estimated to cost Rs 2.40 crore. The Bairadi Lake project carries the highest financial outlay, pegged at Rs 135 crore. Development of the Baggundi Lake in Kulai is expected to require Rs 14 crore, while the Mallikarjuna Lake in Kadekar is projected to cost Rs 3.70 crore.