Members of Pyaas Foundation transfer the revived lake in Gajapati village in Belagavi district to Minister of Women and Child Development, and Disabled and Senior Citizens Empowerment Laxmi Hebbalkar on April 30, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Belagavi-based Pyaas Foundation has revived one lake and created another in Belagavi district of Karnataka. They were handed over to stakeholders on April 30.

The foundation handed over the rejuvenated Gajapati lake, which is spread over seven-and-a-half acres, to the gram panchayat. The rejuvenation was supported by Jinabakul Forge Private Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

It is the 14th lake and well revival project of the foundation, Pyaas Foundation president Madhav Prabhu said. The foundation has been working in various environment protection projects for nine years, he said.

Minister of Women and Child Development, and Disabled and Senior Citizens Empowerment Laxmi Hebbalkar thanked the foundation for its charity work and its members for their dedication. She urged them to continue rejuvenation of water bodies, and assured support for such projects.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde promised all co-operation.

Dhobhi Ghat lake

The Dhobhi Ghat Lake project was unique because it was the first man-made lake constructed in Belagavi in over 50 years. The one-and-a-half acre water body has an artificial island on which saplings of fruit-bearing trees have been planted. The trees are expected to attract birds and foster nesting, creating a thriving micro-ecosystem.

The project was executed with CSR support from Sneham Taping Solutions and technical guidance from the Indian Institute of Hydrology, Dr. Prabhu said.

The lake was handed over to Brigadier Joydip Mukherjee, Commandant, Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, and president of the Cantonment Board, and Rajeev Kumar, CEO of the Board.

Brigadier Mukherji praised the efforts of the foundation, expressing deep satisfaction at the outcome. Mr. Kumar acknowledged the significance of the project, and promised to further enhance the lake with a garden for public benefit.