Haveri's Heggeri tank project hits a snag: Approval roadblock stalls progress

Haveri: The project of transforming the Heggeri tank, in Haveri into a tourist destination, is facing major setback, as the glasshouse project, initiated in 2017-18, came to a standstill, owing to lack of approvals from Karnataka Lake Conservation & Development Authority (KLCDA).
The project's termination resulted in a loss of Rs 2.60 crore to the Heggeri Tank which is situated near NH-48 on the outskirts of Haveri city. Despite an appeal by the District urban development department cell in 2021, KLCDA maintained its stance against any construction in the lake area and buffer zone, refusing to issue an NoC. The Haveri CMC had began the construction of the glasshouse without proper authorisation.
Local community had envisioned the glass house at the Heggeri Kere, situated near the NH-48, as a prominent tourist attraction. However, the KLCDA terminated the project citing regulations against permanent structures on tank banks.
The project progressed slowly, for over seven years, achieving only 20% completion of civil works. From the total project cost of Rs 5.40 crore, merely Rs 60 lakh was utilised. Sources revealed that the urban development scheme allocated an additional Rs 3crore for retaining wall and road works, of which Rs 2 crore was spent.
Initially, the tank was completely dry during the commencement of the project. Locals recall the tank filling in 2009. After a decade, the tank filled again due to heavy rain, causing several months of delay in the construction."
"The negligence of officers and delay by the contractor destroyed the project. The officials, without taking a NoC from KLCDA, began works and used Rs 2.60 crore. Now, the authority has stalled the project, and the amount spent on the project has been washed away," alleged Abdul Hubballi, a social activist in Haveri.
"The KLCDA denied an NoC for the project, so we are planning to shift the project to an alternate location," clarified Haveri DC Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar.