Moodbidri: The historic lake of the Beluvai Jangama Mutt has now been revived and transformed into a beautiful swimming pool, thanks to the ceaseless efforts by Bangle Friends, people of Beluvai and as many as 13 beneficiary card holders of the Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The Jangama Mutt lake has a historical significance. The lake with a history dating back to nearly seven centuries is located adjacent to the Moodbidri-Karkala National Highway, about one km to the north of the town of Beluvai.
The dilapidated Mutt structure here is one of the 64 Veerashaiva Mutts constructed by the Keladi kings in the district. Close by the Mutt is the lake which was constructed during the time of king Bheema Nayaka of Keladi clan. Incidentally, the Beluvai Gram Panchayat has a PDO by name Bheema Nayaka when the lake has seen development.
How was it possible?: When villagers decided to give the lake a facelift, the Panchayat instead of merely assuring help, assisted them through the Employment Guarantee Scheme. The group of youngsters from Bangle Friends too have played a pivotal role.
The desilting and other works were undertaken at a cost of Rs 10 lakhs. An embankment has also been constructed. All measures are taken to collect the water flowing from the nearby hill areas and also steps are in place to ensure that silt does not accumulate in the lake.
Presently, as many as 300 people not only form Beluvai but also from Karkala, Moodbidri, Kantavara, Baaradi, Daregudde and Irvattur come here daily for a swim while the number crosses 600 during holidays,.
*“This lake is beneficial for youngsters, those willing to learning swimming and those who have swimming as a hobby and passion. A little more efforts would make this a model swimming pool” – local swimmer Valerian Sequeira.
*“The lake has been developed into a swimming pool with the help of labourers under the Employment Guarantee Scheme and with the help of villagers is attracting swimmers from the village and around,” –Bheema Nayaka, PDO, Beluvai Gram Panchayat.