Unkal Lake in Hubballi Grapples with Resurgent Water Hyacinth Infestation
The historic Unkal Lake in Hubballi is once again confronting a critical environmental challenge as water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, has returned and spread extensively across the water body. This fresh growth not only mars the lake's scenic appearance but also significantly diminishes its utility for recreational activities and public enjoyment. The recurrence of these weeds underscores that the underlying issues have not been adequately addressed at their source.
Sewage Inflow Identified as Primary Cause
The main driver behind the resurgence of water hyacinth is the persistent inflow of sewage into the lake. This free-floating perennial plant thrives in nutrient-rich, polluted waters, particularly where untreated wastewater enters regularly. Despite previous efforts by civic authorities and the district administration to remove the weeds and restore the lake, the problem has resurfaced because the conditions conducive to weed growth remain unchanged.
Environmental and Practical Impacts
Unkal Lake spans approximately 240 acres, with nearly 30 acres now blanketed by hyacinth. This substantial coverage poses serious environmental and practical difficulties. The thick weed cover blocks sunlight from penetrating the water, reduces oxygen levels, and adversely affects aquatic life. Additionally, it impedes water movement, creating stagnant patches that degrade the lake's health over time.
Disruption to Tourism and Recreation
The weed infestation has severely disrupted tourism and recreational pursuits. Water sports and other public facilities in the lake area have become unusable due to the dense plant growth. Visitors who once flocked to admire the lake's scenic beauty are now met with a neglected, weed-covered surface. This not only tarnishes the lake's image but also undermines local recreation and tourism potential.
Calls for Permanent Solutions
Umesh Dushi, a social activist, emphasized that the recurring problem highlights the necessity for a permanent solution rather than temporary weed-clearing initiatives. He urged authorities to halt sewage entry into the lake, enhance wastewater management, and implement regular monitoring to prevent fresh growth. While mechanical removal of weeds may offer short-term relief, hyacinth will continue to return unless pollution is effectively controlled.
Dushi added that Unkal Lake is a vital landmark, and its restoration demands sustained action. Protecting it from sewage pollution and invasive weeds is crucial to preserving its beauty, ecological balance, and public utility.
Authorities' Response and Efforts
Vittal Tubake, executive engineer north of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), stated that weed removal is a routine practice. This year, over the past few days, work has been undertaken at Unkal Lake, with a Mysuru-based agency handling the removal. He acknowledged that water sports activities have been hampered by the weeds and expressed confidence that the lake would be weed-free within a couple of weeks. The estimated cost for this year's weed removal and maintenance is over Rs 42 lakh.
