Over 1,600 join Kukkarahalli Kere Habba to back lake conservation
More than 1,600 citizens participated in the second day of the two-day Kukkarahalli Kere Habba on Sunday (June 28), extending their support to conserving Kukkarahalli
More than 1,600 citizens participated in the second day of the two-day Kukkarahalli Kere Habba on Sunday (June 28), extending their support to conserving Kukkarahalli Lake and restoring Purnaiah Naale as a vital ecological corridor. The two-day event brought together regular walkers, students, government officials, children and nature enthusiasts for a series of awareness, educational and nature-based activities highlighting the need to protect Mysuru’s blue-green heritage. Visitors explored exhibits showcasing the findings of ecological, hydrological, urbanisation and biodiversity studies conducted over the past three years. A 3D model of Purnaiah Naale explained its present condition and the proposed restoration measures, while a photographic exhibition highlighted the rich biodiversity of Kukkarahalli Lake.
Shylajesha and Anjali Sharma, representatives of Water Forum, explained the historical significance of Purnaiah Naale, its role in Mysuru’s water system, the impact of urbanisation and the need to restore it as a vital blue-green ecological corridor for future generations. Usha Rani, Principal District and Sessions Judge and chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the programme. Principal Senior Civil Judge and Chief Judicial Magistrate Nagaraja Siddappa Ankasadoddi, District Judge Anand Vagade, Bar Council Secretary Charan Raj and Heartfulness Institute Joint Secretary Kris Madhusudan were present. U.N. Ravikumar of Water Forum Mysuru briefed the dignitaries on the vision for repurposing Purnaiah Naale and its importance in sustaining Kukkarahalli Lake.
Rani also released a brochure presenting the findings of a collaborative three-year study undertaken by Water Forum Mysuru, Mysore School of Architecture and Aranya Outreach. An environmental pledge invoking citizens’ duty under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution was administered by Champa H.S., director and dean of Mysore School of Architecture, who presided over the programme. Representatives of Aranya Outreach, Water Forum, Mysore Grahakara Parishat and Parisarakkagi Naavu also attended. Around 50 participants took part in a spot painting competition on the theme ‘Kukkarahalli Landscape and its Biodiversity’, with winners receiving cash prizes and certificates. The competition was organised to promote awareness about urban environmental conservation.
Nearly 70 registered participants joined guided tree walks and birdwatching sessions, during which they recorded 35 bird species, including the black-rumped flameback, Indian grey hornbill and Brahminy kite besides the nesting colony of black-headed ibis and juvenile painted storks. The organisers, in a press release, said the enthusiastic public response reflected the community’s growing commitment to restoring and conserving Purnaiah Naale and Kukkarahalli Kere as valuable ecological, educational and community assets. The event was organised by Water Forum Mysuru, Mysore School of Architecture, Aranya Outreach, Bengaluru Sustainability Forum, University of Mysore, Mysore Grahakara Parishat and Parisarakkagi Naavu.
The BriefWire