Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 29: Water bodies in the city that had become dilapidated for the last many years are now getting a new lease of life one by one. After Gujjarakere pond got a facelift and bears a beautiful appearance now, Bairady pond in Padil, Alape village is developing fast, thanks to the efforts and agitations carried out by the locals and the others.
The Bairady pond had been the source of water for all the needs for the area surrounding it. It had undergone one stage of development sometime back. Now again it is being developed at a cost of about one crore rupees. The pond is spread over nearly 2.5 acres out of which 1.3 acres is covered by water. Desilting of the pond has already been conducted. The construction of steps to the pond on one side was pending. Now, after taking the people living nearby into confidence, steps have also been constructed there. Thus, the pond can be approached through steps from all the four sides. Additional steps that are smaller in size have also been built. Iron grill has been provided to make sure that no one enters the pond.
The first phase of the development has been completed. In the second phase, works will be conducted in the portion where steps have been newly built. Welcome arc has been built to enter the pond area from the national highway. Security system to protect the pond has been envisaged. Security room has been built at the entry point. Road to the pond has been laid.
In the coming days, fixing of interlocks, laying of walking track, children's play area and other development works are planned. The pond will become very beautiful and tourists are sure to get attracted by the pond. The fact that the pond is located adjacent to Mangaluru - Bengaluru highway, is an added advantage. The development works are planned to be executed before the onset of monsoon.
Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman Ravishankar Mijar, says that MUDA is undertaking development of several ponds including the Bairady pond. He said that one phase of work has been finished and further works are undertaken now. He said that in addition to strengthening the pond as a source of water, it will be turned into an attraction for the tourists.