May 10, Coimbatore: Following heavy rainfalls in the city, Noyyal river is expected to rise steadily. As of now the water has reached till Alandurai and a few more showers will see the water flow into the city and finally reach the lakes. With the river coming to life environmental activists have asked the district administration to desilt lakes, canals and remove encroachments along the water bodies.
Manikandan of Kovai Kulangal Kaappom Amaippu said,“For water to reach the lakes, the canals need to be cleaned and de-silted. Encroachments should be removed. We have been cleaning various city lakes, but it is the public works department which needs to use machinery to clean the canals”. Encroachments are rampant near Ukkadam canal and Pudhukulam.
Water will reach the lakes only if the canals are maintained.Though 1,400 houses were recently removed, another 200 houses are blocking the canal. Water from Noyyal will reach Vellalore tank only if those houses are removed. Manikandan said, “Sluice gates needs to be checked and the water bodies should be prepared for monsoon. Upon asking the PWD department, they passed the buck on lack of funds to carry out the work.”
Reports state that seven lakes in the city have filled up and with rains expected to continue in coming weeks it wouldn’t be surprising if we witness full capacity in all lakes. The Kuniyamuthur channel alone takes water to four lakes — Sottaiyandu Kuttai, Ganganarayanasamudram, Perur Periyakkulam and Sengulam.
Source: TOI