Karanji lake, one of the city’s last-remaining water bodies known for supporting wild bird habitat, is drying up fast. This is the second time in recent years that a portion of the lake has gone fully dry. This has led to suspension of boating, one of the attractions for visitors to the nature park managed by the Mysuru zoo.

Lack of rains last year is being cited as the prime reason for the drop in water level ahead of the summer. Another reason is the stoppage of sewage flow from the neighbouring localities into the lake. In a sense, it’s good for the lake ecology as it is “free from contaminants”.

Is there an alternative to ensure water in the lake even during summer and when there is deficient rain?

The management of Mysuru zoo, the caretaker of the Karanji Lake Nature Park, a tourist hub, is mulling over drawing treated sewage water from the Mysuru City Corporation’s sewage treatment plant (STP) located near the foothills of Chamundi.

Now, the sewage collected at the STP, after undergoing due treatment, is discharged into the storm water drain, from the sewage farm in Vidyaranyapuram. If the treated sewage water passes the test (some competent agency certifying that the treated sewage does not carry any harmful residues and does not cause any harm to the lake ecosystem and its aquatic life), then it could be diverted into the lake – this is what the zoo authorities are asking the MCC authorities.

However, the idea is still in a nascent stage but the authorities have written to the MCC on their proposal and sought their advice with a detailed report on the process the sewage undergoes at the plant for secondary use.

Zoo Executive Director Ajit Kulkarni told The Hindu that the lake has partially gone dry in the wake of deficient rains in the last season.

With regard to the drawing treated sewage water into the lake, he said, “This is possible only when the MCC assures us that the treated sewage was free from contaminants and certifies its quality for diversion into the lake.”

He said a pipeline can be laid from the source till the point of joining the water body provided that it passes the test and meets the standards as laid down for such an arrangement.

“It is a thought which has been shared with the MCC. We are awaiting a response from them.”

Battery-run buggies

Two new battery-run buggies will be introduced to take elderly persons and persons with physical disabilities around the Karanji Lake Nature Park (KLNP), which is spread across several acres.

With many expressing their inability to walk around the park due to age and other health reasons, the zoo management has resolved to introduce two buggies similar to those that are in operation for the visitors at the Mysuru zoo. “Acting on the feedback from the visitors, we have decided to have such eco-friendly transportation modes on the park premises for the convenience of senior citizens, children and others,” said Mr. Ajit Kulkarni.