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A
recent report said that in order to save the Upper Lake and Kolans River that
feeds it 240 hectares of land is going to be brought under farming where
fruits, flowers and spices will be grown. The report also said that more than
51000 fruiting plants will also be planted. According to the news fed by the
government sources so far more than 15 ponds have been built and three
check-dams are also ready. As many as 16 recharge shafts have been built to
induce the rain water to go underground and recharge the sub-soil water.
This
was a positive news item that has come out after a long, long time. That the
catchments of the Upper Lake held the attention of the government is a welcome sign. So far the government had
given its best of frigid shoulders to the Lake and its catchments. That it has
woken up to the need of conserving the catchments, the river that feeds the
Lake and several drains that contribute in replenishing the waters of the Lake
is a matters that warrants celebration by the people. It is seldom that such
people-oriented decisions are taken, more so in respect of their water
security.
All
that is well and good! But, I can see from the window of my flat that
construction in the catchments is going apace, especially in the complex of
sporting facilities. At least two or three storied buildings are being
constructed. One does not know whether these are regular constructions or are
illegal. The Administration might like to satisfy itself that environmental
norms connected with Wetland Rules are not being breached.
While
the government’s pre—occupation with the catchments of the Lake are commendable
one would be happy if it pays a little more attention towards improvement in the
quality of its waters. Off and on reports appear in the newspapers that raw
sewage flows into the Lake without any let or hindrance. In fact numerous
nallas carrying sewage continue to flow into the Lake. For the last 25 years
this reporter has kept a watch on this matter but it seems the government is
yet to come up with a solution for the problem. Is it such an intractable
problem? One feels it is nothing but sheer apathy of the powers that be.
Residents
of Khanugaon, a locality that projects on to the Lake, have been flexing their
muscles for some time. Apparently they want a piece of the Lake. A few years
ago a wall was erected which assumed such importance that even the former chief
minister went and had look at it. He issued orders for its demolition but
failed to follow them in writing. The municipality has latched on to this
shortcoming and did not demolish the wall. Obviously, there is some biggy
behind it all as otherwise orders written or otherwise of the chief minister
would be promptly complied with. A recent report indicated Arif Aqeel’s
interest in Khanugaon.
Now
one finds a newly built jetty protruding out as a tongue from one of the
waterfront areas of Khanugaon. A light coloured boat regularly makes trips from
and to the Boat Club. I find several sailors using the jetty in the morning to
launch themselves into the water. None would really oppose such sporting
activities but now only a jetty has been built, in course of time a boat club
too will be built. In fact, there was a demand for a boat club by Khanugaon
residents. So far it has remained elusive but it may not remain so for long. At
least, I do not know whether necessary permissions/approvals have been taken to
build and use a jetty in this eco-sensitive body of water. Public spirited
people/organization might like to delve deeper into the matter,
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