Seven lakes in Shivamogga to be developed for water sports  

Lakes of Shivamogga district are all set to offer adventure to tourists as the Tourism and the Minor Irrigation Departments are starting water sports in seven lakes across different taluks. The lakes have been identified based on their proximity to popular tourist destinations 

Balligavi Basavannana Kere, Doopadahalli Doddakere, Talagunda Hirekere, all from Shikaripur taluk; Keladi Kere from Sagar taluk; Kubaturu Kere in Sorab taluk; Humcha Mutthina Kere in Hosanagar taluk, and Gopishetty Koppa Doddakere in Shivamogga taluk will be developed to provide water sports. 

“These places regularly see tourists. For instance, Sagar taluk usually has a good footfall of tourists because of its proximity to Jog Falls. Similarly, a lot of tourists come to Humcha Jain temple in Hosanagar. That is why we have selected them for development,” said a senior official from the Tourism Department. 

The official also said that instead of a ‘one-shoe-fits- all’ approach, different water sports will be offered at different lakes based on the water levels, ecology, and other factors to not disturb the ecosystems near these waterbodies.

“If a lake has a lot of fish and other aquatic life, then only boating will be taken up there. Sometimes the water level gets low in the summer and then the service providers will have to plan sports that can be done at such water levels,” they added.

Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and such non-motorised activites will be taken up at the lakes.

Environmentalists say that while non-motorised activities might not have a direct impact on the ecosystem of the lakes, fish might be disturbed. However, it is the activity that comes with tourism that concerns them.

“The major thing is the pollution that’s caused from single-use plastic in places declared as tourist destinations. Tourism in such places itself is hazardous to nature. Once these lakes become tourist destinations, more people will arrive and that will mean more private vehicles. Then they will go for road widening which will lead to landslides. Since the tenders will be awarded to private entities, it will also increase their dominance around these lakes. In a climate emergency scenario, such development of tourism is not necessary,” opined Akhilesh Chipli, an environmentalist from the region. 

The Tourism Department had recently called for a tender to provide water sports at these seven lakes and bids have been received. The details will be fine-tuned, and the tender will be awarded in the next few days.  

Water sports in reservoirs and coast 

Along with the Minor Irrigation Department, the Tourism Department is also developing water sports hubs in 18 reservoirs including Kanva reservoir, Vani Vilas Sagar, Kabini, and even the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir. A tender has already been called for the development of KRS for water sports. 

Further, 10 beaches, including Tannirbavi beach in Dakshina Kannada district and Maravanthe beach in Udupi district, will also be developed as water sports hubs as per the announcements of this year’s State budget.