Karagada Lake to be revamped

BANGALORE: The State Horticulture department has finally taken an initiative to improve the condition of Karagada Kunte, the historic lake in Cubbon Park premises. A project at a cost of Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned for its development, said Dr S Ashwath, joint director, Horticulture (Parks and Gardens).Ever since Cubbon Park was set up in 1864, the Thigala community has been celebrating the festival of Karaga along the Karagada Kunte at the park in the month of April. It is only during the festival the Kunte (pond) gets illuminated with lamps.Speaking to Express about the project, Dr Ashwath said, “The plan has already been laid out and the project is being taken up by the Horticulture Department in association with the Public Works Department (PWD). The construction part is handed over to the PWD and the landscaping and increase in greenery will be done by the Horticulture Department. The work will start soon.”Ashwath further said, “The area surrounding the pond is uneven. The landscape will be levelled first and since the area is located in a shed area, we will cover it with shed plants and flower plants in between.”Further, plans have also been drawn to tap water from the bamboo grooves which can be used for watering plants. “There are few bamboo grooves near the Rani Park, which has been a good generator of water. We want to tap this water and channel it to Lotus Pond. From the Lotus Pond the water will be piped to Karagada Kunte. The water from the Karagada Kunte will be moved to the nearby sewage water treatment plant. The treated water can be used for irrigation and watering purposes,” he added.Meanwhile, when asked about developmental works in other parts of the Park, Ashwath said, “The park area from Hudson Circle to Century Club is almost developed. We have put up  shed grass all across. Besides, the triangular piece from Siddalingaiah Circle to State Centra Library, High Court to Cubbon Park Band Stand too has been covered with shed grass.”