Vedike Urges MCC Mayor to Construct a ‘Theertha Kere’, in the Middle of Gujjarakere for the Avabrutha Snana ritual of the deities of temples in the surrounding areas of the Lake
Mangaluru: In the wake of several complaints regarding seepage of sewage into Gujjarakere, MCC Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur visited the lake area. Gujjarakere Theertha Samrakshana Vedike members urged the mayor to take the necessary initiatives to keep the water in the lake clean and pure. The Vedike said that the Theertha Kere, a pond, should be constructed in the middle of the lake for the Avabrutha Snana ritual of the deities of temples in the surrounding areas of the Gujjarakere. “Further, a rainwater harvesting system should be implemented in the surroundings of the lake. The Mayor should give more emphasis on the purity of water in the lake rather than projecting the Gujjarakere area as a tourist destination,” the Vedike urged and submitted a memorandum.
Vedike General Secretary Nemu Kottari and other members said that the tank was supposed to have been built by Natha sect leader, Yogi Gorakshanatha. “It was one of the oldest Teertha Keres of the district and also a source of drinking water in the region. When the tank was on the verge of extinction due to unbridled sewage flow and encroachment, the Vedike began the fight for its restoration two decades ago,” Kottari said.
Finally, the tank was rejuvenated by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd., with the intervention of D. Vedavyasa Kamath, Mangaluru City South MLA. Local aspirations ignored The Vedike said though the tank was rejuvenated and made a place of public attraction, the administration has ignored the local aspirations and sentiments. The continued presence of sewage in the tank water exhibits negligence by executing agencies to take all steps to prevent sewage flow into the tank, The Avabhrita Snana (holy dip) of Sri Bolara Halekote Mariyamma used to take place during the temple’s Annual Rathotsava; that had to be stopped following deteriorated water conditions.
The executing agencies ignored this issue, though MLA Kamath was in its favour, during the rejuvenation. Converting the tank as an entertainment centre has caused much pain to the residents, Mr Kottari said. Therefore, the corporation should respond to their sentiments and restore Gujjarkere’s old glory. Vedike vice president C.P. Dinesh, area councillor P. Bhanumathi, Mariyamma Temple Managing Committee president B. Ashok Kumar and others were present. Mayor Kannur said the corporation would examine the matter.