Brahmavar: 600-year-old lake to get facelift

DHNS

Brahmavar, 29 March 2012: The historic 600-year-old lake at Chanthar is being renovated using funds from 13th finance project by the minor irrigation department. The work is being carried out at the cost of Rs 85 lakh.

 

The lake is spread in 35 acre land and is one of the biggest lakes in Udupi district. During monsoon, the entire 35 acre will be filled with water and attracts onlookers. As the lake is surrounded by garadi, Nagabana, temples, it has also become a religious centre.

 

As Chyavana seer is believed to have meditated in the region, the place recieved its name Chantharu. It was believed that anthill grew on him and became Nagabana.

 

According to historian Prof K K Gurumurthy, the lake is 500 to 600 years old. An inscription which was found in the region dates back to 1445 which speaks of sharing of water during the reign of Vijayanagara empire. It was one lake in Tulunadu which has a document to show that there was treaty by the rulers on sharing of its water. It speaks of sharing of water between Mallappa Setty and Somappa Setty. At present, the inscription is in Somanatha temple museum in Barkur Moodukeri.  The lake was in a neglected state till recently. It was minor irrigation department which took up the work on desilting three years ago. However, owing to lack of maintenance, the water in the lake was getting dried by February itself. As the lake gets dried, it was converted into playground by the children, grazing ground for the cattle and farm land for growing vegetables by the farmers.

 

Speaking to Minor Irrigation Assistant Executive Engineer H Jagadeesh said desilting work will be carried out at the cost of Rs 5 lakh, walkers path, road will be constructed. “We have a plan to convert the lake into a tourist spot. The work is likely to be completed within nine months.” With the desilting of the lake, farmers from Handadi, Matpadi and Chantharu can irrigate their farm land. The ground water table is likely to be increased.