Lingambudhi Lake gets Reserved Forest status

216 acres around Lake secured against land claims, encroachment

Mysuru: One of Mysuru’s major water bodies, Lingambudhi Lake, has been declared a Reserved Forest, paving the way for stronger protection against encroachments and private ownership claims.

The declaration comes after a prolonged legal battle by the Forest Department to protect the Lake and its surrounding areas. With the notification, the entire identified area will come under the provisions of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.

A total of 216.23 acres (87.26 hectares) has been declared Reserved Forest. This includes 51.30 acres in Survey No. 23 of Lingambudhi Palya, 136.10 acres in Survey No. 82 of Dattagalli and 28.23 acres in Survey No. 11 of Ayyajayyanahundi, all in Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk.

To complete the process, the Government appointed retired KAS officer Renukamba as Forest Settlement Officer.

Inviting claims and objections

In May 2024, notices were issued inviting claims and objections from anyone asserting rights over the land, exercising customary practices in the area or claiming rights over its produce. They were asked to submit their claims either in writing or orally by June 15, 2024.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Meenakshi Negi (who retired on Oct. 31) conducted a site inspection of Lingambudhi Lake on Oct. 28 in connection with the proposal to declare it a Reserved Forest area.

During the proceedings, individuals and organisations claiming rights over the land were given an opportunity to present their case. However, no objections were received.

K. Paramesh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), told Star of Mysore that the Forest Department subsequently submitted details of the proposal to declare the area a Reserved Forest under Sections 4 to 17 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.

With no objections forthcoming, the process was completed and the area was notified as a Reserved Forest under Section 17 of the Act.

Survey, documentation

The process involved a detailed land survey and documentation in the presence of the Forest Settlement Officer. Maps were prepared and the boundaries of the reserved area were demarcated on all four sides.

The notification is expected to strengthen protection of the Lake’s ecosystem and its rich diversity of birds and other wildlife. It will also enhance the ecological importance of the water body.

The official map makes it clear that no individual will have ownership rights over land within the reserved area. However, two existing roads have been retained for public use: A 100-metre-long and nine-metre-wide north-south road leading to horticultural lands and the one-kilometre road connecting Srirampura and Ayyajayyanahundi village on the southern side.

Picture shows a part of the disputed land at Lingambudhi Lake.

Lingambudhi Lake was earlier under the control of the Revenue Department. In 2003, citing the need to protect the Lake’s bird population and ecological resources, the then Deputy Commissioner ordered its transfer to the Forest Department. Since then, Department has been responsible for its protection and management.

An ideal habitat for birds

One of Mysuru’s prominent water bodies, Lingambudhi Lake was built in 1828 during the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in memory of Maharani Krishna Vilasa Lingajammanni.

Spread across about 250 acres, the Lake has a water spread of nearly 150 acres, while the remaining 100 acres are covered by trees and vegetation.

Excluding the Botanical Garden, Horticulture Department lands, a park and the premises of Mahalingeshwara Temple, the remaining 216.23 acres have now been declared a Reserved Forest.

Lingambudhi Lake is a haven for several species of birds, including migratory birds that arrive from different parts of India and abroad for breeding.

Recognising its ecological importance, the Mysore Amateur Naturalists (MAN) organisation had, as early as 1980, recommended developing the Lake into a biodiversity site of national and international importance.

In 1990, the then Mysuru Deputy Commissioner T.M. Vijay Bhaskar took steps to prevent sewage from surrounding residential layouts from flowing into the Lake. The move helped protect its ecological health and preserve its habitat for birds and other wildlife.