Hubballi: The long-awaited development of Old Hubballi’s Kempkeri lake, which began in 2019 with a budget of Rs 8 crore from various departments, has been delayed despite significant progress.Located on Karwar Road, about 5 km from the city center, Kempkeri lake has been in the process of being transformed into a recreational spot. The development works were carried out with funding from the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) and the department of tourism, yet residents are still waiting for the lake to open.The lake’s entire landscape has changed. The transformation of the lake includes an open-air theatre, walking paths, three footbridges, two viewpoints, jetting, and boating facilities. Additional electricity poles have also been installed for attraction. Shabbuddin P, a resident of Old Hubballi noted that the lake’s development was a long-standing request from local residents. “We were promised this would become a picnic spot, and the work started many years ago. The bulk of it is complete, but authorities haven’t yet opened it,” he said. He added that a green environment has been created around the lake, but it remains closed to the public.Hemanth Desalli, assistant director of the tourism department, confirmed that the tourism department had contributed around Rs 5 crore in 2018-19 towards the project. “We have requested a utilisation certificate from HDMC, but it has not been provided yet. Once the final work is complete, we will open the lake,” he assured.MM Hosur, another resident, noted that people are traveling to other nearby spots like Unkal Lake, Nrupatunga Hills, Sanjivini Park, and Indira Glass House for weekend outings. “Kempkeri lake is being developed in a similar way. Authorities should finish the work and open it up to the public,” he urged.“If it remains closed, the development will start to deteriorate, and all the beautification work will be ruined,” Hosur warned.
