Public vigilance helped preserve Mysuru lakes, says activist at Mysuru Literature Festival-2026

Environmental activists Parashuram Gowda, UN Ravikumar, Major General (retd) SG Vombatkere and HS Champa at a session during the Mysuru Literature Festival on Sunday (July 5). | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Citizen participation and sustained public commitment are essential to protect the environment, activists said on Sunday (July 5), citing several successful people’s movements that have helped protect Mysuru lakes and other ecologically sensitive zones.

Addressing a session on ‘Responsibility of Citizens to Protect Environment and Lakes in Mysuru’ during the Mysuru Literature Festival-2026, they said public support has played a crucial role in preserving the city’s ecosystem, from protecting lakes to preserving trees.

Recalling the campaign to save Lingambudhi Lake, UN environmental activist Ravikumar said the people’s movement had successfully prevented the outer ring road from passing through the lake, an ecologically sensitive area.

Mr. Ravikumar also spoke about the efforts of environmental groups to protect the Purnaiah Canal, which feeds rainwater into Kukkarahalli Lake, one of Mysuru’s premier water bodies and an important habitat for migratory birds as well as a vital green lung for the city.

“Birds and animals are the first to warn us when something is wrong with nature. We have taken the message and many eco-conscious citizens have come together to protect the Kukkarahalli lake,” he said.

He noted that the transfer of the Lingambudhi Lake to forest management nearly three decades ago had proved crucial for its conservation. If not protected, the lake — now located in the heart of a growing city — faced serious threats from urbanization, he noted.

Mr. Ravikumar said a public hearing that supported the conservation effort ultimately ensured that the outer ring alignment did not encroach on the lake precinct.

Major General (retired) SG Vombatkere spoke about the roles and responsibilities of citizens and civil servants in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development.

Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkagi Naavu highlighted the growing impact of climate change and warned of the environmental costs of unchecked development. He expressed concern over the contamination of rivers, the indiscriminate felling of trees in the name of development and the deteriorating health of agricultural lands due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

HS Champa also shared her views on the subject in the session.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 21:18 IST