6 lakes & 9 parks in Hassan to be revived at a cost of Rs 144 cr

Darshan BH

Hassan: Six lakes and nine parks in Hassan city will be revived at an estimated cost of Rs 144 crore shortly. The authorities have completed the paperwork and the groundwork is expected to be launched soon.

According to Cauvery Neeravari Nigam sources, the main ponds to be revived are of Channapattana, Satyamangala, and Hunasinakere at an estimated cost of Rs 39.2 crore, Rs 11.42 crore, and Rs 11.24 crore respectively. The main park to be restored is Maharaja Park located at the city centre at an estimated cost of Rs 14.36 crore.

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, during coalition government regime, had allocated Rs 144 crore in his budget for the development of Channapattana pond, which former minister HD Revanna had dreamt of developing on the lines of Disney Park. Later, after BJP government came into power, Hassan BJP MLA Preetham J Gowda decided to distribute the allocated fund for revival of city’s ponds and parks.

“The company which had won tender is now carrying out minor activities like testing soil, clearing weeds and others. They are saying they start the work after Mysuru Dasara. The project is entirely supervised and technically controlled by Hemavathi Reservoir Project (HRP) Zone, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam. The restoration project is aimed to be completed by within two years from now. The restoration of ponds and parks is aimed to create a good ecosystem. Fencing will be provided to avoid debris to ensure good environment for residents while walking and taking rest. The project also includes installation of sewage water treatment plants,” said Venkataramanappa, deputy chief engineer, HRP.

“In Channapattana pond, facilities like boating system, three-stepped stones around the pond for seating, toys and playground for children, open theatre, walking and jogging tracks with gazebos, stone benches, Yoga mandir, toilets and vehicles parking system, have been planned. Also, we have plans to construct a park to the west of new bus terminal near railway track. Remaining parks will get the facilities according to their territory. Few of them will get mini bird sanctuary and island,” Venkataramanappa added.

Water for filling Hunasinakere, Satyamangala and Channapattana ponds is planned to be brought from Handinakere pond located near Yagachi Left Bund Canal.

The project is completely supervised and technically controlled by Yagachi Belur Division, Belur. The three ponds water recharging project was announced in 2018-19 by former CM Siddaramaiah in his budget. This is expected to be tendered in a month from now, said Venkataramanappa.