KOLKATA: Not every Indian Institute of Management is gifted with natural waterbodies punctuating the greens. IIM-Calcutta has got them, and it doesn't want to miss out on the opportunity to flaunt them. If things go according to plans, a large part of the institute's waterbodies will be ready for water sports this year itself.

The institute has seven lakes that have been lying in disuse since inception. There's a jetty in place on one of these lakes but instructions read that one is advised to keep off the water, since it is deep and there are weedy undergrowths. However, the authorities have now realized that the makeover will be complete only if the sprawling waterbodies are put to optimum use. The campus development committee felt that while water sports will be developed in some portions, at other places the lakes can simply be cleaned up and beautified with proper seating arrangements at vantage points, bringing in a promenade-like feeling.

Work has already started on the biggest of the seven lakes, which is nearly a kilometre in length and less deep compared to others. This lake is located just behind the institute's auditorium and will soon house kayaking facilities. The Indian Kayaking Association has inspected the lake. The institute opted for kayaking as the first water sport because there was demand for it from students for a long time. Boating and canoeing options might be explored later, depending on the success of kayaking. Aditya Ghorui, a kayaking expert, has been roped in to train students.

"We are beginning with four kayaks. If we see that these are used optimally, we will buy more. First students will be trained to master a kayak. It is only after individuals are trained to master a boat will we put them together as a team on one boat," said Aloke Chandra, chief administrative officer.

While the lake that is being developed now has a depth of 10-12 feet, making it ideal for kayaking, the other lakes are far deeper and can be used for canoeing/boating.

"We have a large number of outdoor games facilities but we have always advised students to keep off water. But it makes sense to put these lakes to use both for sporting and beautification purpose. We are happy that we will start with kayaking," said director Saibal Chattopadhyay .

