Mysuru: After the successful makeover of Karanji lake, the Mysuru Zoo, which comes under Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) is planning to develop the Thippayana Lake on similar lines. Karanji Lake has become a major tourist spot since its makeover a decade back. The 30-acre Thippayana Lake, including three parks surrounding the lake will be developed based on three different themes ‘Grass land’, ‘Forest’ and ‘Wet land’.
In April this year, Mysuru Urban Development Authority handed over three parks surrounding to ThippayanaLake to Mysuru zoo. Soon after taking the lake and parks surrounding it, Mysuru zoo authorities led by BP Ravi are planning a makeover of the Thipparayana lake hoping that it turns out to be a bigger success than the Karanji Lake. The Thippayana Lake had got a new lease of life through CSR funding from Automotive Axles. Migratory and water birds visiting Karanji Lake have already started coming to Thippayana lake.
The zoo authorities are avoiding use of cement and concretization while developing this lake. Gravels have been used to construct the roads, 1500 saplings belonging to nature forest species, mostly fruit-bearing ones have been planted. In coming days the zoo authorities are planning to release nearly 50,000 fishes in the lake which will be an added attraction during boating excursions. The authorities plan to recreate a forest like ambience here in another three years time
Speaking to Newskarnataka BP Ravi, Additional Principal, Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary of ZAK said, “Four years back Thippayana Lake was handed over to us but the surrounding three parks were handed over just few months back. Since then we have taken up improving the facility especially treating the sewage water naturally. The main objective of developing this lake is for water conservation and bird conservation. The civil construction has been kept at minimal to give it a natural feel. The ambience will be on the lines of forest. The place will also serve as open breathing place for birds. Once the lake gets stabilized we will think of introducing boating and other such facilities including for children. Deputy Commissioner Abhiram Jaishankar who visited the lake recently was also impressed with the ongoing work. If need arises we will request government to release funds for the lake, including for CSR fund to provide more facilities.” Ravi who keeps visiting the lake has allotted the responsibility of various developmental works in the lake to Manjunath, RFO, Mysuru zoo.
