The Rayanal Lake in Hubballi, once a vital water source, is now a picture of neglect, choked by sewage and emitting a foul stench that has become a major health and environmental concern for local residents.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Official Apathy
Located in Lohiya Nagar under Ward No. 32 on Survey No. 88, the 19-acre lake is in a dire state. Residents allege that the minor irrigation department and municipal corporation officials have turned a blind eye to its rapid deterioration. They highlight the urgent need for a retaining wall and a bridge to protect the water body, but claim their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Raju Mulimani, a resident of Lohiya Nagar, stated that sewage is continuously flowing into the lake, worsening its condition daily. He emphasized that developing the lake would greatly benefit the community, especially senior citizens who are currently deprived of recreational space. "The area around the lake is full of weeds," Mulimani said, urging the corporation to come forward with a concrete development plan.
Echoing this sentiment, another resident, Kumar N, revealed that numerous proposals for the lake's development have been sent through the local corporator, but all have been in vain. He called for the authorities to formulate and execute a plan without further delay.
Contamination and Cascading Problems
The pollution is particularly severe during summer, leading to unbearable odors and raising alarms about public health. The problem compounds during the monsoon. When it rains, water from the highlands flows into the lake, and once it overflows, contaminated water accumulates in the lowlands surrounding the Ram Mandir, the industrial training centre, nearby roads, and the park. This not only damages infrastructure but also poses a significant hazard to the public.
Residents point out the stark contrast in development focus. While prestigious projects like the Jayadeva Cardiology Hospital and an international stadium are being constructed in the same ward, Rayanal Lake has been completely sidelined. They believe the lake has the potential to be developed into a public asset similar to Tolanakere and Unkal lake, but continued neglect has allowed the situation to degrade.
Official Response and Promised Action
When confronted with the issue, Anand Kesaragoppa, the Zonal Assistant Commissioner of HDMC Zone 7, provided a glimmer of hope. He confirmed that the development of Rayanal Lake has been planned. "Soon, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared and submitted to the government," Kesaragoppa said. He assured that development work would commence following the approval of the DPR.
The community now waits to see if these official promises will translate into tangible action to restore Rayanal Lake, transforming it from a polluted burden back into the cherished resource it once was.
