Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, July 10: The once-picturesque Manipal Lake, long cherished by tourists, walkers, and bird watchers, is rapidly deteriorating into a dump yard due to sustained neglect. Once maintained as a clean and serene space, the lake is now the subject of growing concern among local residents and environmentalists.

Nestled in the heart of Manipal, the lake is renowned for its thriving bird population, including local and migratory species, and draws hundreds of walkers and joggers every morning and evening. However, recent scenes of plastic waste, glass bottles, and floating garbage along the lake’s edge have alarmed regular visitors.

Despite the presence of dustbins along the walking path, many remain unused, with people continuing to litter irresponsibly. While sections of the walking track are relatively clean, the surrounding areas are strewn with plastic covers, bottles, food wrappers, and paper cups. The worst-affected zones are at the lake’s edge, where thick clusters of plastic waste have accumulated with aquatic weeds, posing serious threats to fish, turtles, and birds that rely on the lake's ecosystem.

Several seating areas are now unusable, filled with sludge and stagnant water. Benches and resting spots are layered with dirt and algae due to a lack of regular maintenance. Recent rainfall has worsened conditions further, with waterlogging at the lake’s entrance making it inaccessible for elderly visitors and families with children.

Manipal Lake is considered a civic asset and recreational lifeline for the town. Hundreds of students and local residents visit daily. “It is painful to see plastic floating everywhere and bins overflowing without clearance,” said a local walker. “If immediate cleaning and maintenance are not carried out, the lake’s ecosystem will deteriorate further, affecting biodiversity and public health.”

The lake, initially developed as part of Manipal’s eco-tourism efforts, has long been a source of pride for the university town. Continued apathy and mismanagement risk transforming this once-beautiful space into a public health hazard. Environmental activists and concerned citizens have urged local authorities to take prompt action—both to restore the lake’s cleanliness and to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal among the public.

Without swift intervention, the legacy and environment of one of Udupi’s most beloved landmarks may be permanently compromised.