Mangaluru
The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) council approved a proposal allowing the Halekote Sri Mariyamma Temple management committee in Bolar to take over the upkeep of the historic Gujjarakere Lake. The committee will be responsible for cleaning and preventing contamination of the lake, which was rejuvenated under the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) project.
The council noted that the maintenance will be carried out with public welfare in mind, with expenses borne by the temple. The MCC has laid out conditions, including ensuring that public movement and vehicle access are not disrupted and prohibiting advertisements on the premises. Additionally, MCC reserves the right to revoke the agreement if the upkeep is found unsatisfactory.
Temple management committee president B Ashok Kumar said they are awaiting an official communication from MCC before initiating maintenance work. We had expressed interest in maintaining Gujjarakere, and once we receive an official intimation, we will take up the responsibility. Since Sri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust, Jeppu, is already involved in the lake's upkeep, we will collaborate with them, he said.
A few months ago, Sri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust, Jeppu, took the initiative to maintain cleanliness around the lake by appointing dedicated staff. As part of its Namma Uru, Namma Hemme, Namma Parisara, Namma Javabdari initiative, the Trust launched a model ward project in three MCC wards in 2023, voluntarily overseeing the lake's maintenance.
MSCL undertook the rejuvenation of Gujjarakere, a lake with over 1,800 years of history, at an estimated cost of Rs 3.7 crore. The biggest challenge continues to be addressing the water contamination issue as well as the safety of visitors.
