With the increase in total coliform as well as feacal coliform content in the Gujjarakere waters a year after it was dredged, conservationists have demanded enforcement of the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014, to conserve the historic tank that also has religious significance.
Gujjarakere Teertha Samrakshana Samithi member Nemu Kottari had submitted tank water for analysis to College of Fisheries, once in July 2021 and again in April this year. While the total coliform and feacal coliform content were 300 per 100 ml water in 2021, the total coliform content abnormally rose to 1,600 per 100 ml while feacal coliform remained at 300 in April 2021.
The results, Mr. Kottari told The Hindu, indicate that the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has failed to completely prevent the flow of sewage into the tank. Gujjarkere was given a complete overhaul in the last one year by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd., (MSCL) at an estimated cost of ₹4 crore. The works included complete dredging of lake bed, construction of walkers’ path, open gym, children play area and steel fencing around the tank.
