Coimbatore corporation to decide on revamping city lake today
This story is from June 25, 2014

Coimbatore corporation to decide on revamping city lake today

Text Size
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
COIMBATORE: In an attempt to ease the flow of traffic on the Ukkadam to Aathupalam stretch, the city corporation is preparing to implement a proposal to strengthen the bunds of Ukkadam Periyakulam, allowing two wheelers to ply along the periphery of the water body.
The civic body is expected to discuss this proposal at the urgent meeting of the corporation council to be convened today. However, green activists have already raised objection to the proposal stating that it would have an adverse impact on the ecological balance of the water body and its surrounding wet lands.
As per the civic body's estimate, the work including the strengthening and beautification of the lake bund and the construction of a separate walkway and a two wheeler lane would cost Rs4.95cr. If the resolution is passed, the corporation is hoping to get the project funded through financial grant and subsidy from the state government.
The total length of the proposed vehicle lane would be 1.4km along the water body. Recently, state minister for municipal administration, rural development, law, courts and prisons, SP Velumani inspected the lake in the presence of senior officials from the district administration, corporation, highways and police department to discuss the feasibility of the project.
However, the decision to allow traffic along Ukkadam Periyakulam is being opposed by environmentalists. An official petition is expected to be submitted to the district administration and corporation, opposing the project. They said that the lake bunds were not strong enough to sustain the weight of the vehicles and would pose a serious risk to the public.
"It will have an adverse impact on the lake and its eco system. By allowing people and vehicles along the lake, the risk of pollution of the water body is higher. It is ironic that the government spends large amounts of money on rain water harvesting but is so callous about preserving a prominent water body," said K Moanraj, secretary, Save Coimbatore Wetlands, a consortium of environmental groups based in the city.
Start a Conversation
end of article