Infosys Foundation to restore Mysuru lake

In one of the biggest lake conservation projects under the PPP mode in the State, Infosys Foundation has joined hands with the district administration in Mysuru and other stakeholders for the conservation of Hebbal Lake. The Foundation is funding a whopping Rs. 30 crore for restoring the lake.

Sudha Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation, and Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for restoring the lake to its past glory. A few years ago, the lake was a thriving water body but it got polluted and is now surrounded by housing blocks and industries.

Ms. Murthy told The Hindu that the Foundation will complete the lake conservation in a span of 15 months and maintain it for a period of five years. Thereafter, the lake’s maintenance will be given to the Mysore City Corporation. “I want to end pollution of the lake. Silt from the lake will be removed and the lake boundaries fenced.”

A major chunk of the funds will go for setting up a sewage treatment plant (STP) which will come up on a three-acre land next to the lake. The 8-mld capacity sewage treatment plant will recycle sewage water and release it into the lake.

Ms. Murthy said she has special admiration for Mysuru and the Mysuru royal family. “My husband (Infosys Founder N.R. Narayana Murthy) has a special bond with Mysuru. The Mysuru kings protected our language and culture.”

Thanking Ms. Murthy for her gesture, Ms. Shikha described the lake conservation in private partnership as one of the largest in the State. “We did the ground work for six months before reaching this stage of signing the MoU. The work will start immediately. The ownership will remain with the government.” Public amenities will come up on the lake precincts, and the Hebbal lake campus can emerge as a tourist destination once the conservation was completed, she added.

MCC Commissioner C.G. Betsurmath, MUDA Commissioner Mahesh, Assistant Commissioner Anand, Tahsildar Naveen Joseph and officials from the Infosys Foundation were present.

SOURCE: PTI