"Chantharu madaga" lake for makeover @ 1 crore

"Chantharu madaga" lake for makeover @ 1 crore

Mangalore Today News Network

Brahmavar, May 30, 2015  : Minor irrigation department is developing "Chantharu madaga", at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. The madaga has a history of over 500 years.  The madaga is one of the largest water body in Udupi covering an area of 35 acre. It irrigates hundreds of acres farm land.

The department cleared silt and had constructed a retaining wall under 13th Finance Commission at an estimated cost of Rs 85 lakh three years ago. With Rs 1 crore, the work on removing the silt, developing the banks of madaga, feeder channel development, development left hand canal, and other development works.

Apart from this, the work on four small bridges on four sides, removing of the silt and laying of barricades are in progress, the contractor Jeevan  Baikady told media that the rejuvenation work is in progress and water body has enough water during the peak summer. As a result, the wells in the neighbourhood have not gone dry. The neighouring villages used to face shortage of water during April -May; this year, there was no water shortage.

The madaga may serve as a tourist spot if attention is paid. During monsoon, the entire 35 acre will be filled with water and is an attraction. The lake is surrounded by garadi, Nagabana, temples, it has also become a religious centre. According to historians, an inscription which was found in the region dates back to 1445 speaks of sharing of water during the reign of Vijayanagara empire. It a 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.