Villagers force cafe plan near lake to be dropped

Madikeri: Following opposition from villagers of Galibeedu and Vanachalu, who protested in front of the Galibeedu gram panchayat demanding withdrawal of permission to open a cafe adjacent to a lake, the project has been dropped.The cafe was proposed to be opened at Chappanda Kere, a water body in the region. In 2023, the Galibeedu gram panchayat took up development work of the lake and about Rs 50 lakh funds were spent for the construction of a retaining wall and other beautification works. Further, the GP had planned to develop a garden in the area to promote eco-tourism. However, no work was carried out until March this year.A few days ago, groundwork to build the cafe was performed, which was opposed by the villagers. "The village does not have proper road connectivity and the existing roads are in bad shape. However, with an aim to attract tourists the GP officials, have planned a cafe at this nature's abode. We will not let this happen," said Dishanth, a youngster who led the protest.When questioned, Galibeedu panchayat development officer Shashikirana explained that the proposed cafe was okayed at the gram sabha. She alleged that the lake has become a hub for all illegal activities for youngsters and the panchayat could not curb the same despite installing CCTV cameras. "We have left fishlings in the lake and have given tender for fishing to women self-help group. Similarly, we planned to open an ‘Akka Cafe' and hand over management to a women's group. However, some politically motivated youngsters opposed this and we have now dropped the plan," she explained. She added that a final discussion in this regard will be taken after discussing with the MLA.