Lake Kankaria in danger of drying up

Kankaria lake favourite with residents of Ahmedavadis, is in danger of drying up.

Around six feet of the lake is filled with silt. As a consequence, the depth of the lake has been reduced to around 10 to 12 feet, though its actual depth is 16 to 17 feet.

According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials, the lake had not dried up earlier despite scarce rainfall. However, extensive use of the lake for immersion of idols, lamps and other material on religious festivals since the last 10 years has led to the present state of affairs.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner D B Makwana said the lake had dried up in 1974-75. "Immersion of idols in the lake was prohibited till about 10 years back. However, since the ban has been lifted a lot of idols and articles made with clay are being immersed in the lake year after year causing materials to be deposited in its bed."

Meanwhile, for the first time in its history, the AMC will take up the destilation of lake on a large scale. "This is for the first time that we will do the work "officially". When the lake had dried in the 1970s, people were allowed to take mud from its bed. Extensive digging was done by people as the soil was very fertile."

However, this time the AMC might not find many takers for the soil due to a drop in agricultural activity. Officials informed that tenders in this regard would be floated soon and the work would be completed before the arrival of the monsoon.

AMC is also considering steps to control immersions in the lake. A meeting in this regard was held with various ‘mandals’ in the city. The corporation is considering providing an alternative place for immersion of idols.

Another alternative being considered is to make large idols of material which does not dissolve in water so that they can be subsequently removed.

Compiled from local news media