Lake Kamegowda of modern Bhagirath Mandya is no more

Kere Kamegowda (84), who was known as modern Bhagirath, passed away at 4 am on Monday.

Kamegowda, who built 16 dykes at the foothills of Kundur and provided drinking water for animals and birds, contributed to the increase of groundwater, planted trees at the foothills and took care of the environment, was known as 'Modern Bhagirath', 'Man of Lakes'.

Appreciating Kamegowda's work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised him in Mann Ki Baat. Due to this, Kamegowda was appreciated all over the country.

Kamegowda has received many awards including Rajyotsava Award and Basava Award.

Many people, including CM Bommai, have expressed grief over Kamegowda's death. CM Bommai tweeted that he was very saddened to hear the news of the demise of Jalarishi Kamegowda of Dasanadoddi in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, who was involved in water conservation and built more than 15 lakes and became known as modern Bhagirath.