Historic Unkal Lake Emerges as Premier Adventure Destination Following Smart City Transformation
The iconic Unkal Lake in Hubballi, once plagued by pollution, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis under the ambitious Smart City Project, emerging as a vibrant recreational hub that now captivates visitors with an array of thrilling adventure sports. This historic water body, which spans an impressive 260 acres, has been meticulously restored through a substantial investment, breathing new life into the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad.
Phased Restoration and Substantial Investment
The comprehensive rejuvenation of Unkal Lake was executed in two significant phases by the Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL). The initial phase involved an expenditure of Rs 15 crore, followed by a more extensive second phase costing Rs 28 crore, culminating in a total investment of Rs 43 crore. This substantial funding facilitated a thorough cleanup of the previously polluted lake, including the critical removal of invasive aquatic weeds that had hindered boating activities for an extended period.
Resumption of Boating and Introduction of New Attractions
Following the successful weed eradication, boating operations have triumphantly resumed and have been operational for the past four months, much to the delight of local residents and tourists. The lake's revival has been further enhanced by the inauguration of multiple water-based activities last September by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, including motor boats, pedal boats, jet ski boats, speed boats, and kayaking.
In a strategic move to diversify recreational offerings, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) floated a tender for the maintenance of Unkal Lake Park and the introduction of adventure sports. The contract was awarded to Om Water Sports, which has launched an exciting suite of new attractions specifically designed to engage children and families from the twin cities.
Expansive Adventure Sports Portfolio
The newly installed adventure sports at Unkal Lake include:
- Sky Cycle: An elevated cycling experience offering panoramic views
- Rope Cycle: A unique combination of cycling and rope-based adventure
- Zipline: A thrilling aerial ride across sections of the lake
- Trackless Toy Train: A charming miniature train journey around the park
- Jungle Bounce: An energetic bouncing activity for younger visitors
According to Raju Khilare, proprietor of Om Water Sports, these five additional sports were introduced following an overwhelmingly positive response to the initial boating and adventure offerings. "By next week, all activities will be fully operational," Khilare confirmed. "We are developing special packages for school groups to encourage educational visits where children can experience these adventure sports firsthand."
Enhanced Infrastructure and Safety Measures
The lake's transformation extends beyond water activities. A scenic walking path has been constructed along the periphery, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls while taking in the natural beauty. The boating fleet now includes large vessels capable of accommodating up to 30 passengers simultaneously, alongside speedboats designed for groups of 10.
Safety remains a paramount concern, with three dedicated lifeguards stationed at the lake to ensure maintenance standards and visitor security. Vijaykumar R, HDMC's superintendent engineer, emphasized the broader vision: "Our objective is to create an environment where families, including children, can spend entire days at the lake, enjoying diverse games and activities in a safe, well-maintained setting."
Economic Model and Future Prospects
The operational model requires the contractor, Om Water Sports, to pay Rs 10 lakh to HDMC for maintaining the lake park and adventure sports facilities. This partnership approach ensures sustainable management while providing quality recreational options. The addition of the toy train and ropeway further complements the existing attractions, creating a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem.
Khilare highlighted the operational improvements: "Boating had been suspended previously due to excessive weed growth, but with the cleanup completed, we've not only restored this activity but expanded the experience. Visitors can now appreciate the lake's beauty through the miniature train and various adventure games in Unkal Park."
The revitalization of Unkal Lake represents a significant achievement in urban renewal, transforming a neglected water body into a dynamic community asset that promotes tourism, fosters family recreation, and enhances the quality of life for residents of Hubballi-Dharwad.
