Polluted Navalur Lake in Dharwad: A Threat to Health and Environment | Hubballi News – Times of India



Polluted Navalur Lake in Dharwad: A Threat to Health and Environment | Hubballi News – Times of India

Dharwad: There was a belief that one who gets to taste the guava and mango from Navalur, especially from the farms getting water from Navalur Lake, is blessed. Due to the quality of soil and water, the fruits grown in Navalur, off Dharwad, used to be delicious and their taste and aroma would linger long after consuming them.
However, the times have changed now.The water in Navalur Lake spread over an area of 68 acres is polluted and has a foul smell as sewage water from Navalur village and surrounding residential areas like Yalakkishettar Colony, KHB Housing Colony, KEB Housing Society, and Hosayallapur areas joins the lake through pipelines and has polluted the water.
The lake is under the minor irrigation department and lack of maintenance has resulted in weeds growing in the lake. Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has also not done anything to ensure that the lake remains clean. It has become a breeding place for several poisonous insects and residents of Navalur are often infected due to insect bites. There is a school near the lake and the students also suffer from several health issues.
Navalur Lake used to attract varieties of migratory birds every year from across the globe but now it is a thing of the past. Forget winged guests visiting the lake, the local cattle do not visit the lake. Several birdwatchers and environmentalists have expressed concern over the pathetic condition of the lake but the authorities have turned a deaf ear. With the fast pace of urbanisation and several new extension areas coming up, the area covered by the lake is shrinking.
The minor irrigation department has erected a fence on one side of the lake adjoining the village. However, people continue to throw garbage into the lake.
Desilting of the lake was taken up twice in the past, following pressure from the residents. The then MLA Chandrakant Bellad took steps to develop the lake for pisciculture. Environmentalists said excess water from the agricultural fields adjoining the lake should be allowed to flow into the lake. This will help keep its water clean and attract birds and cattle. With proper maintenance, the lake has the potential to be developed as a picnic spot. Councillor Dr Mayur More said he has sought the development of the lake under the Smart City Project and has appealed to the district minister Santosh Lad.

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