HUBLI: The lake restoration project, that was initiated amidst fanfare in the district, has been hit by its untimely commencement. The delay and cost escalation are likely to affect the further progress of the almost stopped project.The lake restoration works were to begin this February, at the end of winter, and were to be completed before the onset of monsoon. On the contrary, the project began just before the rainy season in June and the desiltation works were stopped due to the heavy rains.Under the state government’s ambitious lake restoration project, five taluks in the district received Rs 5 crore each. Only 38 lakes were considered and incessant rain brought the desiltation work to a grinding halt.With storage of rain water, it would become hard to quantify how much silt is deposited and how much to be removed. Above all, there were allegations that the contractors in collusion with officials were making huge amounts out of this project. A senior official refuted the allegation and said a clear record was being maintained on the work and clearing bills.The work stopped midway at Bhairidevarakoppa lake alongside the Hubli-Dharwad road itself raises doubt over the officials’ claim. The desilted lake has turned into a trench and is posing a threat to traffic on the busy Hubli-Dharwad road. The Bhairidevarakoppa lake is being restored at a cost of Rs 37 lakh and pitching work along the boundary is yet to be taken up. A walking path would also come up. However, work has been stopped due to rain and dispute over felling of four trees on the bank. The HDMC has given its no objection, but the Forest Department is yet to clear the request. Councillor Rajanna Koravi said that contractors should have done all the ground work before stopping the work midway. Koravi said he has informed the officials concerned and pleaded with the contractor to complete the works by constructing a bund wall.
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