Mangaluru: Gujjarakere water found heavily contaminated, unfit for drinking again

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 31, 2026: Bacteria have been detected in the water of Gujjarakere, making it unfit for drinking, with laboratory reports once again confirming that the water is completely contaminated.

Gujjarakere, which was once considered a sacred pond believed to cure ailments, is now filled with disease-causing bacteria. Laboratory analysis has reaffirmed that the lake water is heavily polluted. Though the lake has been developed at a cost of crores of rupees under the Smart City project and appears attractive from the outside, the water body itself is severely contaminated. The inflow of sewage into the lake is cited as the main reason. Despite repeated appeals by local residents to the city corporation and Smart City authorities, no effective action has been taken.

Water samples collected from the lake revealed a total coliform count of 1,600 per 100 ml. The faecal coliform count was also found to be 1,600 per 100 ml, which is considered extremely dangerous. The laboratory report clearly states that the water is unsafe for drinking.

The lake water had also been tested seven months ago, when contamination was detected. At that time, the total coliform count was 1,600 and the faecal coliform count was 500. The current figures show a sharp increase, with faecal coliform levels doubling.

Gujjarakere water has been tested several times in the past, and on every occasion, the presence of harmful bacteria has been confirmed. Tests conducted in 2014 and 2015 showed bacterial levels of around 1,100. Even in 2016, repeated tests indicated an increase in bacterial contamination.

In general, water quality tests measure total coliforms (a group of bacteria indicating water quality) and faecal coliforms (which indicate contamination from sewage or human waste). For water to be considered safe and potable, the total coliform count must be zero per 100 ml. A count of 1–3 is considered satisfactory, 4–10 is poor, and anything above 10 renders the water unfit for drinking. Faecal coliforms must also be completely absent for water to be deemed safe. However, the current level stands alarmingly high at 1,600.

Gujjarakere is one of the oldest lakes in Mangaluru and holds immense religious significance. It is believed to have been created through the penance of Guru Gorakhnath, a disciple of Guru Machendranath of the Nath tradition. References to these revered sages are found in the historical records of the Shri Mangaladevi Temple, the presiding deity of Mangaluru. For centuries, the sacred waters of Gujjarakere were used for ceremonial holy baths of the deity at the historic Bolar Halekote Shri Mariyamma Temple, celebrated with great devotion and grandeur.