Coimbatore corporation decides to desilt, strengthen bunds, widen canals of Singanallur lake

Time of India

16-05-2025

Coimbatore: To bring about an overall rejuvenation of the water body, the
Coimbatore Corporation
has decided to desilt
Singanallur lake
, strengthen its bunds and widen its canals at a cost of Rs 13 crore.
Additionally, the civic body plans to collaborate with NGOs to preserve the lake's natural ecosystem.
Unlike previous lake projects undertaken under the Smart City initiative, the new initiative to maintain the ecology with additional infrastructure.
As the lake has not been desilted for over three decades, it is estimated that nearly 2 lakh cubic metres of sludge have accumulated.
A preliminary survey and a detailed project report (DPR) are being prepared jointly by the civic body and Siruthuli, an NGO. Environmentalists have also proposed several suggestions for the development of the lake.
Coimbatore Corporation and Siruthuli conducted a joint inspection to assess the current condition of the lake and its feeder channels. Siruthuli has recommended
desilting
the lake and strengthening its bunds. According to a Siruthuli representative, a bathymetric survey has been completed, though the results are awaited.
"We are conducting a digital survey to map the streams and their entry points. The priority is to desilt the anicut in Nanjundapuram.
After that, the connecting stream must be clearly marked to ensure the proper flow of fresh water into the lake. We are currently drafting methods and exploring technologies to achieve these objectives," said J Sathish, trustee of Siruthuli.
There are also plans to develop an island within the lake to attract migratory birds and support bird nesting.
Unlike other urban lakes in Coimbatore, Singanallur lake has remained untouched by intrusive development, largely due to sustained opposition from environmental NGOs.
In line with conservation efforts, boating and commercial fishing were banned several years ago to protect the lake's biodiversity. The current development plan includes the construction of a walking track along the lake's perimeter.
Manikandan from Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu suggested introducing a minimal entry fee at all water bodies to encourage public responsibility. "People value and take care of places when there's a price attached. Free and unrestricted access often leads to pollution," he said.