Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 30: Gujjarakere located near Jeppu Market used to be a breeding centre for mosquitoes which spread malaria, dengue etc as stinking dirty water accumulated there invited diseases. It has now been developed into a beautiful spot and people are getting attracted towards it.

Gujjarakere has been developed by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd at a cost of Rs 3.74 crore. Initially desilting operations were conducted and medical waste and other waste were removed. Water plants which had choked the water surface were removed with great difficulty.

After the steps of the pond were repaired, in the interests of the safety of the children and elderly citizens, stainless steel railings were provided around the pond. By the side of the railing, interlocks are laid on a wide area. This is ideal for walking. Street lights have been provided around the pond.

On one side of the pond, sand has been spread to create a play area. Gym equipment has been fixed for young people. Anganwadi nearby too has been turned child-friendly. Benches, waste baskets, a concrete connecting road and green turf for beauty have been provided. Some of the trees which stood here previously too exist around the pond. Now, 32 new plants have been planted. To increase oxygen level in the pond, in course of time, a small boat model aerator will be provided.

With the development of the pond, children and senior citizens are seen coming here to have a refreshing walk. In the evening too people can be seen sitting on benches and chitchatting. Small children usually prefer the play area while grownups do exercises in the gym. There are less mosquitoes now and malaria too has become less.

The project was executed by Bengaluru based Visaga which will maintain it for a year. Thereafter, it will be handed over to the city corporation here, says Smart City project executive engineer Chandrakanth.