The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has proposed to spend 26.95 crore for the rejuvenation of four additional waterbodies and the development of three parks under the second phase of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. This proposal was approved during a council meeting on November 28. The allocated funds include 1.95 crore for operation and maintenance. The waterbodies targeted for rejuvenation are Jogimatta and adjacent lakes (2.4 crore), Byradi lake (1.35 crore), Baggundi lake (14 crore), and Kadekar Mallikarjuna lake (3.7 crore). The parks include Souharda lane park (55 lakh), Kodical Kallakanda Park (2.2 crore), and Kadri Park (2.75 crore).
Despite previous investments in rejuvenating some lakes, concerns remain regarding water quality, as many still face sewage inflow issues. For instance, Gujjarakere, which received 10 crore for its rejuvenation, remains non-potable due to sewage seepage. Nemu Kottari from the Gujjarakere Teertha Samrakshana Samithi emphasized that without addressing sewage inflow, investments in beautification are ineffective. The MCC’s plans also include preparing detailed project reports for three new STPs in Knowledge Park-V, Knowledge Park-VI, and MU. Currently, the authority operates four functional STPs in the city, with ongoing efforts to improve sewage treatment and water quality in Mangaluru’s waterbodies.
