Gujjarkere water turns green due to neglect by Mangaluru civic body

In continuation of the February 27 resolution by Mangaluru City Corporation Council to hand over maintenance of Gujjarkere at Jeppu to Halekote Mariyamma temple, the civic body has reportedly written to the temple management to take over maintenance of the lake.

In the absence of a nominated committee to manage the temple administration, the administrator and the executive officer of the temple, appointed by the government of Karnataka, were yet to take any decision on the matter.

Outgoing managing committee president B. Ashok Kumar told The Hindu that the committee received a letter from MCC asking to take over maintenance of Gujjarkere as per the February 27 resolution of the council just before the end of its tenure.

“The government-appointed administrator has to take a decision. Even otherwise, there is not enough funds with the temple to spend on lake maintenance. The committee had relied on voluntary organisations for the service,” he said.

An official of the Muzrai Department confirmed receiving a letter from the MCC, and said the matter would soon be discussed in a meeting with stakeholders.

State of neglect

The lake fell into a state of neglect with the MCC failing to maintain cleanliness even as five aerators installed by Mangaluru Smart City Limited two years ago have not been functioning for over six months. Consequently, the lake has been stinking with its water turning green due to algae and impurities. The aerators, that also worked as fountains, used to infuse oxygen into the water, thereby reducing sediments in the water. Neither the MSCL, that rejuvenated the lake at an estimated cost of ₹4 crore in 2022, nor the MCC was able to plug flow of sewage into the lake.

Retain as Teertha Kere

The Gujjarkere Teertha Kere Samrakshana Samithi, that had fought for lake rejuvenation, wanted the MCC to construct a Teertha Kere (pond) in the middle of the lake. Gujjarkere has been the Teertha Kere of Halekote Mariyamma temple for ages, and the status should be continued, the Samithi has been urging the authorities.

Moss growth in water body

After regular walkers around the lake complained of slippery walking path due to the growth of moss following heavy rains, MCC sprayed bleaching powder on July 18 even as its personnel cleared plastic waste accumulated in the water body.

Civic workers spray bleaching powder to eliminate moss growth on the walking path around Gujjarkere after regular users complained to Mangaluru City Corporation, in Mangaluru on June 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY

Devotees wants MCC to maintain the lake and its surroundings till a permanent arrangement is made.