Varsity fee drive meets with criticism

The Mysore University is out to mop up funds for its centenary celebrations scheduled next year in a big way.

However, two of its proposals - a fee for walkers at the Kukkarahalli lake and a special levy on students - have received public and student opposition.

Vice-Chancellor K S Rangappa on Sunday said the university proposed a Rs 100 monthly entrance fee on those who enter the Kukkarahalli lake. The amount realised would be utilised for the tank's development.

Speaking after inaugurating a cleanliness drive in the post-graduation campus Manasa Gangotri, he referred to a number of development works the university had proposed and said a grant of Rs 20 crore had been made available for the lake's development by the government.

Spread over 58 hectares, Kukkarahalli lake is the favourite spot for walkers and joggers from youngsters to senior citizens, including a number of women. The picturesque lake has inspired many poets and writers.

Created by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III to provide drinking water to the then small town of Mysuru, with its green arches and the shaded stone benches, the 4.5-km long tank bund was a charming place to walk and sit to enjoy the scenic beauty of the water body and its surroundings with sprawling trees that attracted a variety of birds.