HUBBALLI: The development of Kempkeri, one of the prime water bodies of the city located on Karwar Road, as a picnic spot may take some more time as things are moving at a slow pace.
Talks and discussions to develop the lake into a major tourist attraction have been on from last six-seven years, but nothing has materialised yet. Although some developmental works were taken up in the past, a majority of them have not been completed yet.
Meanwhile, the lake filled with weeds and sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and reptiles.
Plans to build a sewage treatment plant to arrest sewage water has remained on the papers.
“The lake is spread over three acres of land and it has the potential to become a good picnic spot, but due to lack of political will the lake has remained undeveloped,” said Ramesh Yattingol, a resident of Shimla Nagar.
“Residents from parts of Old Hubballi visit Unkal lake, Nrupatunga Hills, Sanjivini Park or Indira Glass House on weekends to spend quality time with friends and family as the area lacks picnic spots. The elected representatives should show some interest in developing the water body. It should be rejuvenated and developed with all amenities,” he demanded.
Hubballi-Dharwad (East) MLA Prasad Abbayya said the lake development work did not progress to the expected level due to several reasons.
He said he personally took interest in making the lake a tourist spot and held meetings with officials. The first phase of development works have commenced and the task has been given to tourism department, he said. “First phase is under progress and Rs 5 crore has been approved for the same. A sewage treatment plant will be built soon to prevent mixing of sewage with water. People will witness a sea of changes in the next few months,” he added.