(2013). environmental degradation of the coimbatore wetlands in

Environmental Degradation of the Coimbatore Wetlands in

the Noyyal River Basin

A. Pragatheesh

Pushp Jain

2013 EIA Resource and

Response Centre (ERC)

Kotagiri, Nilgiri, India.

During 8th

and 9th

centuries 30 wetlands were constructed on both sides of the River Noyyal for

irrigation and flood mitigation. All these wetlands are interconnected to each other and with the

River Noyyal. Over the years these wetlands have played an important part in development of

human history and environment in the region.

Coimbatore District Epigraphs

Environmental Degradation of the Coimbatore Wetlands

in the Noyyal River Basin

A.Pragatheesh

Pushp Jain

EIA Resource and Response Centre (ERC)

Nilgiri Unit

Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, India

2013

© EIA Resource and Response Centre (ERC)

Citation – Pragatheesh, A; Pushp Jain (2013) Environmental Degradation of the Coimbatore

Wetlands in the Noyyal River Basin, EIA Resource and Response Centre (ERC), Nilgiri, Tamil

Nadu, India

Quoting the Report : The report can be freely used with due credit.

Published by -

Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE)

N 71, LGF, Greater Kailash 1, Delhi 110048, India

Contents

Page

1. The River Noyyal 1

2. The Coimbatore Wetlands – History 2

3. Importance of Wetlands 3

Flood Control 3

Groundwater Recharge 3

Water purification and Nutrient Retention 4

Biodiversity (Plants and Animals) 4

Aesthetic and Recreation Value 5

Wetland Products and Local Employment 5

4. Threats to Wetlands 6

5. Coimbatore Wetlands 7

6. Fading glory of the Coimbatore Wetlands 8

Shrinking Wetlands 8

Poor Drainage 9

Waste Dumping 9

Encroachment 10

Water Pollution 11

Heavy Metal Pollution 12

Depletion of Ground Water 12

Decline in Agriculture 12

Contamination of Groundwater 12

Weed Growth and Eutrophication 13

Destruction of Avian Habitat 13

Poaching 14

7. Violations of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 16

8. Suggestions and Recommendations 21

9. Action Plan 23

10. Conclusion 24

References 25

Annexure : Profile of All the 24 Coimbatore Wetlands 26

Annexure : The Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 50

1

The River Noyyal

The Noyyal or Noi il river, which translates into "devoid of illness" in Tamil, holds special

significance for the Hindus (The Hindu, 2003). The River Noyyal is a prominent and historical

feature of Coimbatore and the surrounding districts of Erode and Tirupur of Tamil Nadu State of

India. It is considered as a divine and holy river which arising from the Vellingiri hills of the

Western Ghats. In Coimbatore district the river gains its first sure footing before flowing into the

other districts. Aandi Sunai from Vellingiri hills, Siruvani Water from Porathi hills and Chinnaru

water from Kodungarai Pallam, water form Orathi falls and Ayyasamy falls are the main sources

of water of this river. The River Noyyal is a tributary of the river Cauvery (a large inter-state

river which flows through the States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) joining it at the Noyyal

village, in Erode district of Tamil Nadu.

The Noyyal is a seasonal river, rain fed by the North-East and the South-West monsoons.

Occasionally, flash floods occur after heavy rain events. The upper reaches of the basin receives

high rainfall of more than 3000 mm annually, while the eastern part receives only 600 mm. The

pre-monsoon season period produces about 100 mm to 300 mm of rain and most of it is received

during the months of April and May. The total length of the river is about 170 km, flowing from

west to east, the total catchment area is 3510 km2 (Figure) and is located between 10°56’ N,

76°41’E and 11°19’ N, 77°56’E. The basin is widest in the central part, having a width of 35 km.

The average width is about 25 km.

The Noyyal forms the southern boundary of the Coimbatore city and acts as a major drainage

course carrying the storm water discharge. Artificial lakes located in and around the city are

unique systems of storm drainage, interconnected, designed and maintained from hundreds of

years ago. Most of these lakes are located in southern part of the city that drains finally into the

Noyyal River. These lakes are crucial for drinking water and agriculture of the region. However,

in the recent times, despite cultivation being carried out in some parts, the lakes have been

encroached upon heavily, both in terms of physical space and biological functioning.

Figure: Noyyal River Basin (Source. WRO, PWD, Coimbatore)

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2

The Coimbatore Wetlands – History

Historical reference to the city of Coimbatore dates back to 1200 AD. Ruled by Cheran rulers,

the city was developed as a strategic town during the Nayakas rule of Madurai. Tippu Sultan

conceded the town to the British colonialists in 1799, who subsequently promoted Coimbatore as

the military transit town between Palghat in the west and Gazal Hatty in the north. Beginning

1879, the city has started to emerge as an administrative and industrial town in its own merit.

Wetlands are regularly been linked with the culture and heritage of the land usually a relic of

interaction between people and landscape over centuries. Religious, spiritual and historical

values are often interwoven with these wetlands. Ancient Tamil rulers have been known for their

skills and technology in augmenting irrigation needs by constructing canals and waterways. The

wetlands (locally called kulams) we now see in the Coimbatore city are the brainchild of the

Tamil kings who developed it hundreds of years ago for irrigation, flood control and for

recharging ground water.

During the Kongu Chola’s regime in 8th

and 9th

centuries there were 30 wetlands constructed on

both sides of the River Noyyal for irrigation and floods mitigation. All these wetlands are

interconnected to each other and with the River Noyyal (Coimbatore District Epigraphs Vol.1).

Over the years these wetlands have played an important part in development of human history

and environment in the region. Many historical remnants such as Roman coins and other

antiques unearthed along the bank of the river corroborates to the fact that this civilization had

trade links with the Romans.

The nature of the river to get flooded downstream near the Noyyal village and otherwise scanty

rainfall typical of this region caused the Chola kings to create an ingenious system of lakes and

anicuts festooning the course of the river to not only contain and channelize the fury of the

monsoon but also to aid the recharge of groundwater. The lakes are well connected and helped

improve the agricultural wealth of this region. About 20,000 acre of agricultural land was

directly irrigated through this system. These interconnected lakes, their canals and rivulets also

formed an active flood buffer for the river. Over the period of time, these wetlands came to

house a lot many species of birds, fish and other life forms in pristine glory.

3

Importance of Wetlands

The cultural and biological diversity of wetlands together represent a natural wealth that sustains

us both physically and emotionally. The value of the world’s wetlands is increasingly receiving

due attention as they contribute to a healthy environment in many ways (Paul et al. 2011). It is

common knowledge that Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services, most vital of which is

water security to the region and its inhabitants. Urban wetlands act as haven for many species of

flora and fauna, stabilise the local climate, help in flood control and replenish groundwater and it

is important for carbon sequestration and emissions. Wetlands protect and regulate the water

resource. Acting like giant sponges, they hold back water during floods and release it during dry

periods. It is very crucial for country like India. By regulating water flows during floods,

wetlands reduce flood damage and help prevent soil erosion. Wetlands recharge ground water

sources, and also remove pollutants from the water. Being natural filters, they help to purify

water by trapping many pollutants, including sediment, and disease causing organisms. Wetlands

serves multiple function, some of which are listed below.

Flood Control

Almost any wetland can provide some measure of flood protection by holding the excess runoff

after a storm, and then releasing it slowly. The size, shape, location, and soil type of a wetland

determine its capacity to reduce local and downstream flooding. While wetlands cannot prevent

flooding, they do lower flood peaks by temporarily holding water and by slowing the water's

velocity. Wetland soil acts as a sponge, holding much more water than other soil types. Even

isolated wetlands can reduce local flooding if the wetlands were not there to hold storm water

runoff, backyards and basements might end up under water.

Wetland vegetation can bind the shoreline together and reduce erosion from storms. Coimbatore

has a natural topography, sloping from North towards South and West towards East. The slope

benefits storm water run-off and the path of natural drains facilitate draining of storm water. The

Noyyal river acts as a major drainage course carrying the storm water discharge through the

lakes that finally drain into the Noyyal river. Among the many drains, the Sanganur Pallam

(Canal) is the main drainage artery, which traverses from north to south with its outfall in the

Noyyal river.

Groundwater Recharge

Wetlands act like nature’s sponges, soaking up rainfall that then filters into the ground acting as

groundwater recharge areas when the water table is low, and as groundwater discharge zones

when the water table is high. During periods of low stream flow, the slow discharge of

groundwater often helps maintain minimum water levels. Wetlands are directly connected to

groundwater and play a vital role in regulating the quantity and quality of groundwater, which is

often an important source of water for drinking and irrigation of crops. In addition, wetlands

4

located along streams, lakes, and reservoirs may release stored water directly into these systems,

thus also contributing to their maintenance. Wetlands protect water quality by trapping sediments

and retaining excess nutrients and other pollutants such as heavy metals. These functions are

especially important when a wetland is connected to groundwater or surface water sources (such

as rivers and lakes) that are in turn used by humans for drinking purpose.

Water purification and Nutrient Retention

Wetlands protect water quality by trapping sediments and retaining excess nutrients and other

pollutants such as heavy metals. These functions are especially important when a wetland is

connected to groundwater or surface water sources (such as rivers and lakes) that are in turn used

by humans for drinking, fishing, or other activities. These same functions are also critical for the

fish and other wildlife that inhabit these waters. Sediments, nutrients, and toxic chemicals enter

wetlands primarily by way of "runoff," a term used to describe the rain and storm water that

travels over land surfaces on its way to receiving waters. In urban areas, runoff washes over

buildings and streets in industrial, commercial, and residential areas where it picks up pollutants

and carries them to receiving waters, such as Puget Sound.

Wetlands play a crucial role in the natural cycling of sediments and nutrients in the environment.

Wetlands act as ‘storehouses’ for sediments and nutrients carried in rainwater runoff, streams

and rivers. Dissolved nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers and sewage

effluent are taken up by wetland plants and stored in leaves, stems and roots, so helping to

improve water quality. Many wetland plants have the capacity to remove toxic substances that

have come from pesticides, industrial discharges and mining activities and even heavy metals –

such as iron and copper – contained in wastewater. Wetland prevents nutrients from reaching

toxic levels in groundwater used for drinking purposes. It also helps to reduce the risk of

eutrophication in water bodies.

Biodiversity (Plant and Animals)

Wetlands are home to many species of plants, birds, fish and frogs. Wetlands provide essential

habitat for rare or endangered species. In any area, it is the wetlands that support about 40

percent of the birds. In India around 2400 species and subspecies of birds are supported (Paul et

al. 2011). It is an important stopover for many migratory birds. Coimbatore’s wetlands are no

exception. Every year, pelicans, painted storks, egrets, spot-billed ducks, bar-headed geese,

grebes, mallard ducks etc visit these lakes to feed and breed. Some of them come here all the

way from Europe. Several of the avian species visit Coimbatore between June and December for

nesting and roosting as these water bodies provide ideal breeding climate.

Despite urban wetlands being heavily polluted, they still attract a large number of birds. Of the

24 lakes, somehow all 24 are prime habitat for avifauna, including endangered, threatened and

near-threatened species like Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda), Spot-billed Pelican

(Pelecanus phillipensis), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)

besides being home to around hundred species of birds. Rare birds like Western Marsh Harrier

(Circus aeruginosus), Little Crake (Porzana parva), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), Gadwall

(Anas strepera), Whitenecked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea

5

leucorodia), Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) and Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda)

are also reported from these lakes.

The lakes provide feeding and breeding ground for the resident and migratory birds. A study by

Jospeh Reginald et al. (2009) has reported 116 species of birds from Singanallur lake alone

which belonged to 44 families and 17 orders were recorded from here. Of these, 66 were

resident, 17 were migratory and 33 were local migrants. A survey conducted by bird-watchers

here estimated the bird population to be about 11,000. However, currently, their numbers have

dwindled to almost a fifth of what they were five years ago. Further exotic species like water

hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta) have threatened the wetlands and

clogged the waterways, competing with the native vegetation.

Aesthetic and Recreation Value

Wetlands have recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values. Coimbatore’s wetlands

attract bird lovers and nature enthusiasts to whatever little has been left of once green haven in

the city.

Wetland Products and Local Employment

Wetlands in general provide us with a vast array of products spawning food, building material,

textiles and medicines. The harvesting and use of these products ranges at different intensities

and scales, from basic to commercial exploitation. Undeniably, the most important wetland

product is fish, a constant source of protein. Not only does this supplement the nutritional needs,

but provides employment to many and economic benefits. Many fishing communities are

dependent on these wetlands for livelihood in Coimbatore. The fishermen usually have their

households around these wetlands most often constituting encroachments. Recent pollution

levels in the wetlands have reached alarming levels posing a threat of bio-accumulation in fishes

that are consumed by the local population.

6

Threats to Wetlands

At present in India, only 50 percent of wetlands remain. They are disappearing at a rate of 2% to

3% every year (Surkar. D). The loss of wetlands leads to environmental and ecological problems,

which have a direct impact on the biodiversity. Serious consequences, including increased

flooding, species decline, deformity, or extinction and decline in water quality could result. The

following activities have caused threats to wetlands: Urbanization; Anthropogenic activities;

Agriculture activities; Pollution; Aquaculture; Introduced species (Neelakantan 2008). Wetlands

are important as a genetic reservoir for various species of plants including rice, which is a staple

food for 3/4th of the world’s population.

Urbanization

Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing developmental pressure

for residential, industrial and commercial facilities. Urban wetlands are

essential for preserving public water supplies.

Anthropogenic

activities

Due to unplanned urban and agricultural development, industries, road

construction, impoundment, resource extraction and dredge disposal,

wetlands have been drained and transformed, causing substantial economic

and ecological losses in the long term.

Agricultural

activities

Following the Green Revolution of the 1970s, vast stretches of wetlands

have been converted to paddy fields. Construction of a large number of

reservoirs, canals and dams to provide for irrigation significantly altered

the hydrology of the associated wetlands.

Hydrologic

activities

Construction of canals and diversion of streams and rivers to transport

water to lower arid regions for irrigation has altered the drainage pattern

and significantly degraded the wetlands of the region.

Deforestation Removal of vegetation in the catchments leads to soil erosion and siltation

Pollution Unrestricted dumping of sewage and toxic chemicals from industries has

polluted many freshwater wetlands

Introduced

species

Indian wetlands are threatened by exotic introduced plant species such as

water hyacinth and salvinia. They clog waterways and compete with native

vegetation.

Climate

change

Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of

storms, droughts, and floods; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide

concentration; and sea level rise could also affect wetlands.

7

Coimbatore Wetlands

Coimbatore is gifted with a unique spread of a number of water bodies that store rain water,

recharge groundwater and provide shelter for a vast array of biodiversity.

Ramsar convention defines wetlands as

“areas of marsh, fen, peat-land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary,

with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the

depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”

If we look at patterns of human settlements at any time of history we will notice that most cities,

towns and villages are located around wetlands. Similarly Coimbatore developed in the

watershed expanse of the Noyyal river basin and consists of a network of lakes and canals. In the

past, there were numerous lakes in the surrounding areas but most got filled up. Currently, in the

Noyyal river basin there are 24 lakes in Coimbatore.

1. Ukkulam Lake

2. Pudukulam (Vedapatti Lake)

3. Kolarampathy Lake

4. Narasampathy

5. Krishnampathy

6. Selvampathy

7. Kumaraswamy (also known as Muthannakulam)

8. Selvachinthamani

9. Sottaiyandi Kuttai Lake

10. Ganganarayananasamudharam Lake

11. Puttuvikki Lake (aka Perur Lake or Sundakkamuttur Lake)

12. Senkulam (aka Kuniyamuthur Lake)

13. Kuniyamuthur small Lake

14. Periyakulam (also known as Ukkadam Big Lake)

15. Valankulam

16. Kurichi Lake

17. Vellalore Lake

18. Singanallur Lake

19. Pallapalayam Lake (aka Odderpalayam Lake)

20. Kannampalayam Lake

21. Irugur Lake

22. Achankulam (aka Neelambur Lake)

23. Sulur Big Lake

24. Sulur Small Lake

Detailed profiles of these lakes located in the Coimbatore district are given in Annexure.

8

Fading Glory of the Coimbatore Wetlands

Coimbatore district has been ranked lowest in terms of number of wetlands in Tamil Nadu.

Most of the wetlands in Coimbatore are under severe anthropogenic pressure and threat.

Ahmedabad based Space Application Centre (SAC) which is a part of Indian Space Research

Organisation (ISRO) in its National Wetlands Atlas has pointed out Tamil Nadu as wetland

rich state since it has 6.92 % of geographical areas under wetlands. However, Coimbatore in

spite of its network of lakes has 1.08% only. The network of manmade wetlands in

Coimbatore is its lifeline. The city has grown around them. Although the wetland are

constructed 1200 years ago, but over 800 years these wetland were served well to both

mankind and environment for flood control and irrigational purpose, are now being treated as

dump yards and wastelands for the city’s sewage and garbage. Although Coimbatore is

emerging as a prosperous city in Tamil Nadu, its lakes are dying. They have turned into

dustbins for the city. Burgeoning growth of industries and the consequent population has

increased the pressure on these delicate landscapes. Growth of more than 40,000 small,

medium and large industries including textile mills and foundries has become an alternative to

the poorly irrigated agricultural lands of the city. The industrial pollutants from western and

northern portions of the city have disturbed the biotic life in the Noyyal river and its lakes.

The industrial boom of the 1970s sounded the death knell for the city lakes. Textile units,

foundries, automobile parts producers, textile mills, small industrial units emerged creating

more jobs turning Coimbatore into an industrial town. Now that Coimbatore is firmly perched

on the industrial map of the country, the city's own Noyyal river carries sewage and industrial

effluents now, the lakes have shrunk by 50 per cent. The wetlands of Coimbatore are main

recharge source of ground water and a habitat for wetland birds.

Shrinking Wetlands

The original area of all the lakes has shrunk over the years because of buildings or slums

encroaching these. Construction activities around the lake in the form of bunding, encroachments

around the lakes, receding water levels have led to shrinkage in lake area. The eight wetlands

(Table.) that used to hold around a combined 380 mcft storage capacity with lake bed areas

worth 1,200 acres account for only around 180 mcft storage with lake bed areas around 800 acres

(The Hindu, 2011).

Table : Lake Hydraulic Particulars

Lakes

Lake bed area Storage Capacity

Based on irrigation

memoir(acres)

Present

(acres)

Based on irrigation

memoir(Mcft)

Present

(Mcft)

Narasampathy 123 48 59.8 4.45

Krishnampathy 178 54 7.67 8.48

Selvampathy 71 40 9.55 4

Kumarasamy/Muthanankulam 94 63 20 6

Selvachinthamani 37 26 3.02 3

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Coimbatore Big

lake/Ukkadam

320 337 70 97

Valankulam 160 96 27.88 16.7

Singanallur 288 165 52.27 30

Poor Drainage

The wetlands serve as flood basins for the city they help the rainwater to run off. With the

depletion of the wetlands, the city’s drainage systems are no longer able to function properly,

resulting in frequent water-loggings. All the drainages are encroached by number of hutments

and they are poorly maintained most of the drains are covered with weed growth and almost all

the culverts are blocked with solid waste. While the existing capacities of drains are sufficient for

the initial reaches, the available capacity gets constrained towards the outfall.

Waste Dumping

The lakes have become the unofficial dustbins for Coimbatore city. A high population and

expanding industries have led to the generation of high amounts of domestic and industrial

wastes that ultimately finds its way into the lakes. Over the years, dumping of municipal waste

and construction debris in the lakes has shot up. Discarded plastic carry bags and other items

choke waterways floating unfettered on the open surfaces of lakes. There have also been reports

of hospital waste being dumped on the banks, in one case where carton boxes of unused

condoms were dumped along the Singanallur lake bund causing a huge uproar. Human waste

making their way into the water bodies is highly unhygienic with faecal E. coli contaminants and

several other pathogens.

During summer, these lakes get dried up paving for more and more garbage, municipal waste

and industrial wastes to be dumped.

Plastic waste dumped along Valankulam lake Garbage waste dumped along Singanallur lake

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Encroachment

Wetlands remain under the threat of development, while many are squeezed out of their

existence. Over the decades, the city’s lakes have given way to slums, housing units, bus depots,

roads, railway tracks and electricity sub-stations. Even the river has been encroached and is used

as a dumping site for municipal waste and construction debris. Physical encroachment by people

is also a major issue along the banks of the wetlands and their supply channels. Railway lines can

be seen in and around the lakes of Valankulam, Singanallur and Semmandampalayam. Details of

encroachment in different lake (Table.)

Table: Lakes and Type of Encroachments

Lake name Type of Encroachment Authority

Pudukulam Agricultural Private

Kolarampathi Agricultural Private

Narasampathy

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University-

TNAU (5.06 acres) Government

150 huts Private

Krishnampathy

TNAU (25 acres) Government

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, and

Corporation school playground (15

acre of land)

Government

Selvampathy

Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies

Corporation (5.88 acre) Government

267 tiled houses (8 acre) Private

Kumaraswamy Tiled house, hutments and shops Private

Selvachinthamani Hutments and agriculture Private

Sottaiyandi Kuttai Agriculture Private

Ganganarayananasamudharam Hutments and agriculture Private

Puttuvikki Hutments and agriculture Private

Senkulam Hutments and agriculture Private

Periyakulam

Taxi stand Private

300 pucca/thatched houses Private

Agriculture Private

Valankulam

Tamil Nadu State Transport

Corporation (14.00 acres) Government

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (2.384

acres) Government

Proposed diversion for Southern

railways (6.28 acres) Government

0.08 acres Kuppuswamy

(individual)

1500 huts (15.00 acres) Private

Kurichi School Government

hutments, shops Private

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Temple Public

Agriculture Private

Vellalore Agriculture Private

Singanallur Agriculture Private

Odderpalayam Agriculture Private

Kannampalayam Agriculture Private

Irugur Agriculture Private

Neelambur Agriculture Private

Sulur big

Hutments Private

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Government

Agriculture Private

Sulur sm Temple Public

Water Pollution

Large quantities of municipal effluents including dyes and electroplating effluents are discharged

into the Narasampathy and Singanallur lake making it prone to metal pollution on one hand and

eutrophication on the other. A report (Narayana Murthi 2009) by Central Pollution Control

Board (CPCB) under the aegis of MoEF released in 2009 puts Coimbatore at the 34th

rank with a

score of 72.38 in CEPI (Comprehensive Environment Pollution Index).

“An analysis of nine water bodies of city by a local NGO indicates that most of the water bodies

are contaminated. The discharge of industrial and domestic effluents, encroachments of lake and

canal beds, reclamation and exploitation of ground water are some of the important factors

causing damage to these water bodies. A key factor responsible for polluting the water bodies is

the discharge of untreated effluents from small- scale industrial units lacking in adequate

individual treatment facilities. With major water bodies being polluted, an immediate effect is

noticed on the health of the vulnerable communities residing on the banks of the canals and

lakes. There is also risk of contamination to ground water, resulting from over exploitation of

ground water by domestic and industrial users”( National Institute of Urban Affairs 2006). A

study by Varunprasath and Nicholas Daniel (2010) found the temperature, turbidity, electrical

conductivity, total solids, PH, bicarbonate, COD values were higher in Noyyal river

Untreated Industrial water flowing towards Valankulam lake

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Heavy Metal Pollution

In the southern, western and northern parts of the city, there are reports of heavy metal pollution

(including cadmium and mercury from the dyeing, electroplating and jewellery industries) which

have affected biotic life in the lakes as well as the Noyyal. Industrial effluents, automobiles,

domestic sewage and urban run off constitute a large point source for pollution that carry notable

amounts of heavy metal pollutants such as Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Zinc, Copper,

Manganese and Iron. A study (Mathew et al, 2002) carried out in four of the eight wetlands in

the city limits (Selvachinthamani, Singanallur, Big Tank, Valankulam) showed concentrations of

Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium, Iron and Manganese in these lakes.

Depletion of Ground Water

In the past, every time there is reference to ground water level it proudly recalled to mind the

lakes in the city. About 24 lakes in and around the city act as storage and percolation lakes and

are major sources of ground water used for domestic and industrial activities for Coimbatore and

hinterland. During the past three decades rapid progress has been made in the development of

groundwater resources in the district to meet the increasing demands of domestic, irrigation and

industrial needs. Study of long term water levels reveals a declining trend, and the appreciable

fall in water levels are seen in the taluks of Palladam, Avinashi, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and in the

northern part of Pollachi. Over exploitation of groundwater causes serious damage to the aquifer.

This is largely attributed to the lake’s shrinkage in area and its declining potential to recharge

groundwater.

Decline in Agriculture

The area under cultivation around the lakes has declined as a result of the receding water table

making agriculture using ground water more expensive. Increasingly, farmers in the surrounding

areas of lakes in Singanallur, Kurichi, Narasimapathy, and Vedapatty are selling their lands.

Having been converted into real estate plots, there is no concern for protecting the wetlands.

According to a study conducted by the Madras School of Economics, the total irrigated area in

the district had declined from 16,262 ha to 14,262 ha between 1985-87 to 1997-99 (Appasamy).

Contamination of Groundwater

The filth and grime accumulating in and around the eight lakes dotting Coimbatore city sparks

fear about contamination of ground water in the area; already suffering from depleting water

levels, the lakes have turned into a dumping yard for construction debris and sewage. Recent

research conducted by various institutions, both in summer and winter seasons, revealed that the

content of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels and poisonous substances are extremely high to

the extent of causing severe damage to the human systems and ecosystems.

A study by Lenin and Saseetharan (2008) found ground water quality in Coimbatore along the

Noyyal river was heavily polluted. They found high concentration of Electric Conductivity (EC),

and Calcium (Ca2+

), and magnesium (Mg2+

). The water quality was found not suitable for

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irrigational and industrial activities because of high concentration of ‘Electrical Conductivity’

and total hardness.

Weed Growth and Eutrophication

Encroachment is a problem not with just physical structures but is also biological. A vast green

sheet of hyacinth covers most of the lakes. Encroachment by water hyacinth (Eichornia

crassipes), mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) and pink morning glory (Ipomoea carnea) has become a

problem. Due to the inflow of sewage mainly in Narasampathy, Singanallur and other lake the

growth of weeds increases.

Eichornia crassipes in Selvachinthamani lake Eichornia crassipes in Singanallur lake

Destruction of Avian Habitat

City’s lakes are areas of diversity of a large number of birds. In recent times, shrinking lake area

and highly polluted environment have reflected on the bird population bringing down their

numbers. Ecologists fear that the painted storks, pelicans and other migratory birds may just stop

coming to city lakes. There are more than 10 migratory species of birds, including spot-billed

pelican that are regular visitors. In the last few years the birds were seen in lesser numbers, and

were here only for a shorter period.

Water bodies are going bad and there is high level of pollution, as well as land encroachment and

habitat destruction. Water birds being at or near the top of most wetland food chains are highly

susceptible to habitat disturbances and therefore are good indicators of their condition. Clearing

of vegetation at the bunds for commercial purposes, fire and release of sewage waste are serious

threats to wetland birds and their habitat. Cattle grazing, feral dogs, wood cutting, weeds and

fishing are some major threats to the bird diversity. A report by WorldWatch Institute shown that

12 per cent of the bird species in the world are threatened, and 60 per cent of the reason for the

threat is attributed to habitat destruction (The Hindu, 2012).

Vindhya Bachao

Highlight

Vindhya Bachao

Note

Any source? or spokeperson?

14

Poaching

Anecdotal reports from nature enthusiasts of the city reveal that black cormorant, little grebe,

little cormorant, darter, egret, heron and other migratory birds that frequent the city’s wetlands

are being killed, trapped, sold for meat for both fun and commercial gain. At these lakes,

fishermen and those into bird hunting spread fishing net into the water, into which the birds get

caught while hunting fish. As the birds attempt to wriggle out of the net, the hunters grab and kill

the birds. This happens quite frequently in lakes in Kurichi, Singanallur, Vellalore, off

Thadagam Road (The Hindu, 2012). The birds that come under Schedule III or IV of the Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 are being sold in markets near Ukkadam. During summer, bird hunting is

on the increase because with the reduction in water level, fish move around in a small area

attracting birds that prey. As more birds congregate, they attract more hunters.

Commercialisation versus Conservation –Green Triumph

Mindful of only short term benefits accruing from private sector profits, natural resources world

over are staked out and this reason continues to be the driver of destruction and degradation of

wetlands. The Corporation of Coimbatore few years ago was trying its utmost to lease out the

lakes to private contractors under a Private Public Partnership (PPP) model citing lack of funds.

Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme, a proposal

based on a study by Bangalore based AFPRO (Action for Food Production) was submitted. A

project was envisaged to the tune of Rs. 127 Crore.

A Build Own Transfer (BOT) proposal was processed through the Tamil Nadu Urban

Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd. (TNUIFSL). A consortium of international consultancy

agencies, Scott Wilson and Almondz, was involved in the proposal. It was proposed that

wetlands be given for 20 year lease to build boat houses, resorts, Ayurvedic health centre, water

surfing, water skiing, rope walk, musical garden, bird park, cottages, hotel, cafeterias, etc for

leisure tourism. The project was focussed especially on two lakes - Valankulam and

Selvachinthamani. These two wetlands are worth Rs. 1000 crore and more based on roughly

estimated land value. Other lakes were to follow later. The project was preposterous in its

assumptions and high handed in its conditions, some of which are mentioned below.

Conditions and Assumptions

The custody of the 8 wetlands to be handed over for a period of 25 years

The identified land around lakes (currently encroachments) should be first made available

for development along with No Objection Certificate (NOC) for land use change.

In case that is not possible, a portion of the development will be done on the bund area

along with a floating deck on the water surface.

Or the concept of Transfer of Development Right (TDR) should be introduced by a

special ‘instrument’ by the local body and the cost of maintenance and beautification of

the lakes would be converted into saleable Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The rights of the

same are handed over to the developer. Valankulam and Selvachintamani were initially

identified for TDR

15

The lakes not to be used for agriculture

Based on ‘rapid’ EIA, impacts were considered ‘minor’ and ‘minimal’

There are no threatened species of wildlife here and whatever fauna remains will

naturally migrate to other areas

The proposal was highly biased toward the side of entertainment with least heed to the loss of

ecosystem and livelihoods. Impacts to the environment are heavy - destroying the lake

ecosystem, changing the micro-climate and micro-habitat, disturbing and destroying existing

fauna and flora (including roosting and nesting migratory birds), impacting threatened and

possibly endangered bird life, etc, have not been considered. Because of the construction and

commercial activities and related disturbances, migratory birds would no longer visit these lakes

as they would stand to lose roosting, nesting and feeding grounds.

It proposed desilting of the lakes to enable higher water storage and reinforcing bunds with

cement. Desilting can irrevocably change pond ecosystems and microclimate. It is also obvious

that these activities are energy, material and manpower intensive. Emitting such large quanta of

carbon for something that is capable of absorbing and locking in carbon with little external help

is a misguided venture.

The whole proposal was suicidal to the lakes as it would bring in more encroachment, filling and

pollution. The whole purpose of the lakes which was to buffer floods, replenish groundwater and

irrigate cultivable lands would be defeated. Environmentalists, nature enthusiasts and NGOs

fought tooth and nail against the city’s lakes being used for the amusement and entertainment of

just a strata of the society. After many struggles and meetings with district administration, in

May 2011, in a triumph for efforts and struggle of green activists of the city, the Coimbatore

Corporation decided to shelve the above proposal.

However, there are reasons to believe that the Corporation is preparing a revised proposal to

rejuvenate the lakes without permitting construction activities that would affect the eco-system

of the lakes. In the revised feasibility report, the Corporation is likely to impose several

restrictions on permanent structures proposed along these lakes. The project consultants,

Almondz and Scot Wilson, have been asked to permit commercial activities with restrictions on

height, sound emission and effluent discharge in order to preserve the flora and fauna in the

locality. The environmentalists have asked the Corporation to build a bund along the

circumference of all water bodies and also demarcate a commercial zone within it to ensure that

there is minimum damage to the water system.

In its earlier report that triggered fierce opposition from environmentalists, the consultants had

proposed setting up of an array of revenue generating commercial activities including setting up

urban plazas along Singanallur lake, food courts and some water sport facilities including

boating. However, the new report will exclude all these activities especially those proposed on

the water surface. The Corporation has also received a list of suggestions from local

environmentalists regarding the project.

The lakes that will be cleaned and beautified under the proposal are Ukkadam,

Valankulam, Selvampathi, Narasampathi, Singanallur, Selvachinthamani, Krishnampathi and

Kumarasamy wetlands. One of the main objectives of the proposal is to ensure that sewage water

is not discharged into these lakes.

16

Violation under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

S. Lake Activity Violation Under Rules

1 Ukkulam lake Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)

Roads: Village roads on the south west side and east side Under section 4 (1)(vi)

2 Pudukulam lake

Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)

Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)

Roads: Perur-Vedapatti road on south and east side on the bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

Other: Tree felling for fire wood - threat to nesting birds Under section 4 (1)(vii)

3 Kolarampathi

lake



Roads: Perur-Nagarajapuram road on south and east side on the bund and

mud road on northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

4 Narasampathy

lake

Encroachments: The Government has allotted 5.06 acre of land to TNAU

and there are about 150 huts located on the bund covering an area of 6 acre.

The total extent of encroachment is 12 acres.

Under section 4 (1)(vi)


Road: Marasipuram road passing through north eastern bund, black toped

road on south east side and Perur-Nagarajapuram on west side of the lake


Other: Untreated waste water form Nagarajapuram housing colony and a

factory located close to the lake Under section 4 (1)(v)

5 Krishnampathy

lake

Encroachments: 25 acre of land is given to the TNAU during the British

period. Northern part of the lake is encroached by TNEB and a Corporation

School Playground to the extent of 15 acre. There are about 300 huts located

in the foreshore area of the lake occupying about 3 acre. (Source: PWD/WRO,

Bhavanisagar Dam Division, Irrigation Sub-Division, Coimbatore)


Encrochment : Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)

Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund

Under section 4 (1)(iv)

17

Roads: Narasipuram road is on the southern side, Poosaripalayam link road on

the eastern bund and Sugarcane Breeding Institute road on the north west Under section 4 (1)(vi)

6 Selvampathy lake

Encroachments: Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation occupies about 5.88

acre on the north-east part of the Selvampathy lake. 267 tiled houses have

come up illegally and cover to the extent of 8 acre over the past 25 years

around this lake



Roads: Thadagam to Narisipuram on the southern side of the lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake Under section 4 (1)(vii)

7 Kumaraswamy

lake

Encroachments: Number of tiled house, hutments and shops located on the

north and east side on the lake



Roads: Thadagam road on the eastern side and Narisipuram road on the

northern side of the lake


Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake. Under section 4 (1)(vii)

8 Selvachinthamani

lake

Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture


Under section 4 (2)(x)


Roads: Siruvani main road is the Southern side of this lake. The vehicle

traffic is heavy in this road Under section 4 (1)(vi)

9 Sottaiyandikuttai

lake



Roads: Village road on northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

10 Ganganarayanana

samudharam lake





Roads: SH-164 road passing along on the southern and village road on

northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

11 Puttuvikki lake Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture



18


Roads: Kovai-Puthur bypass road on the eastern side on the lake and a metal

road connecting SH-164 with Kovai-Puthur bypass road on the northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

12 Senkulam lake

Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas Under section 4 (1)(vi)



Roads: A village road connecting Kovai-Puthur bypass road with

Kuniyamuthur on the northern side Under section 4 (1)(vi)

13 Kuniyamuthur

small tank

Waste dumping: Domestic waste water

Under section 4 (1)(v)

14 Periyakulam

Encroachments: This lake has huge encroachment on the boundary area. One

big taxi stand is being operated on the lake bund in north-eastern corner.

Farmers cultivate green leafy vegetables with the drainage water inside the

water spread area. All kinds of solid wastes are dumped on the lake bund and

near the lakes. There are 300 pucca/thatched houses located at the toe of the

bund on southern side of the lake. Approximate area under encroachment is

around 10 acre. (Source: PWD/WRO, Bhavanisagar Dam Division, Irrigation

Sub-Division, Coimbatore)



Roads: Siruvani by pass road on the northern side, Pollachi/Palghat road is on

the eastern side Under section 4 (1)(vi)

15 Valankulam lake

Encroachments: The Government has allotted 14 acre to Tamil Nadu State

Transport Corporation (TNSTC), 2.384 acre to Tamil Nadu Electricity Board,

0.08 acre to Kuppuswamy [an individual] and 6.28 acre is proposed for

allotment for the Southern Railways. Apart from the above, by-pass road is

built in the lake bed reducing the lake storage area considerably. There are

about 1500 huts located in the lake occupying about 15 acre. (Source:

PWD/WRO, Bhavanisagar Dam Division, Irrigation Sub Division,

Coimbatore). Heavy encroachment is found on the north side of the lake.

When water level lowers, encroachment extends by dumping debris along the

onshore side of the lake.


19


Roads: By-pass road from Singanallur to Ukkadam, A road from Trichy road

near Coimbatore Medical College Hospital passes over the lake to join the

bypass road


16 Kurichi lake

Encroachments: School, hutments, shops and temple located in the land filled

areas


Encroachments:Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)


Roads: Dindigul to Bangalore NH-209 passing along the eastern side of the

lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

17 Vellalore lake


Other: Tree felling for fire wood - threat to nesting birds at the wetland Under section 4 (1)(vii)

18 Singanallur lake



Roads: A mud road runs all on the eastern and southern bund, Railway line

bisects the lake. Industry located close to the lake on the eastern side.


Other: Untreated sewage waste water form Sanganur and Kanllimabai

villages passing through Sanganur channel Under section 4 (1)(v)

Other: Dyeing and bleaching by ‘fly by night operators’ Under section 4 (1)(v)

19 Odderpalayam

lake


Waste dumping: Waste dump site located on western corner of the lake Under section 4 (1)(iv)

Roads: Road along the northern side of the lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

20 Kannampalayam

lake


Waste dumping: Domestic waste water Under section 4 (1)(v)

Roads: Road on all the four sides Under section 4 (1)(vi)

21 Irugur lake


Waste dumping: Industrial waste Under section 4 (1)(iv)

Roads: L&T bypass to Ravathur link road found on southern boundary of the

lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

22 Neelambur lake Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)

Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Neelambur road on the northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)

20

23 Sulur big lake

Encroachments: Hutments and Tamil Nadu Electric Board located in the

land filled areas


Encroachment: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)


Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Suler road on the northern side on lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

24 Sulur small lake Encroachment: Temple Under section 4 (1)(vi)

Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Suler road eastern side on the lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)

21

Suggestions and Recommendations

1. Under the section 4 (1)(iv) of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

the solid waste dumping is prohibited. The existing solid waste has to be remove and

increase protection and prevent further dumping on the wetlands.

2. Under the section 4 (1)(vi) of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

concrete structures in the form of bunds or roads around the lakes should not be promoted

in the name of development and any construction activity should be avoided for a distance

of at least 50 m from the mean high flood level.

3. Under the section 4 (1)(vi) of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

the encroachment along a wetland boundary has to be removed. Conduct survey to

demarcate the original boundary of the wetlands and catchment areas at full level observed

in the past ten years to prevent encroachment and garbage disposal.

4. Under the section 4 (1)(v) of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

steps has to be take to prevent / stop untreated sewage (industrial, town waste) entering the

wetland through storm drains

5. Wetlands (lakes) which were handed over to the Coimbatore Corporation in 2010 need to

be given back to the Public Works Department (PWD)

6. Coimbatore Corporation has to take steps to set up sewage /effluent treatment plants before

the sewage /effluent meet the wetlands

7. Encroachment along the supply channels also need to be removed.

8. Clear all storm drains free of choking garbage

9. Eradication of invasive alien species in the lakes and on the bunds (Water Hyacinth,

Parthenia, Lantana) by de-weeding

10. Clean the lakes by removing solid wastes and other wastes floating on the water surface

11. Local fishermen belong to largely a single caste and could be enlisted to conserve the

wetlands and birds. Awareness programmes need to be undertaken. The contracts given by

the authorities for fishing rights need to be clearly spelt out.

12. Stocking of Tilapia and Gambusia, exotic invasive species of fish which out competes

native species, should be avoided, since the fishermen source fingerlings largely from the

fisheries department.

13. Stop industrial effluents from polluting and contaminating the lakes as fishes reared in such

dirty waters here could eventually become unsuitable for human consumption. Possibly,

phase out / ban fishing till the lakes are free of sewage and industrial effluents so that the

health of the local people is not threatened.

14. Under the section 4 (2)(v) of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

with out approval of state government the activities like tourism, involving motor boating,

kayaking, which will disturb the birds, should not be promoted in the name of

eco/adventure tourism.

15. Walkways for the general public and bird watchers can be created around the wetlands.

Provide good toilet facilities outside the wetlands

22

16. Watch dog committees should be formed for each lake represented by members of civil

society groups, researchers, fishermen and local villagers since government agencies have

so far miserably failed in their duty to protect the lakes

17. Plant suitable native trees around the wetlands to enable water retention and recharge, stop

soil erosion, nesting ground for birds

18. Monitor the water quality and physio-chemical properties at regular intervals. Prevent

sewage, domestic and industrial waste entering the wetlands. lakeAwareness about

disposal in lakes by involving important and erring stakeholders like hospitals, transport

corporation, electricity board, etc. Erect sign boards – warning about dumping and

informing the public about importance of wetlands

19. Documentation of species of flora and fauna to be carried out periodically.

23

Conclusion

Conservation of the lakes can significantly enhance the much wanted and rapidly declining

underground water availability in and around the growing city of Coimbatore. This was one of

the major ecological functions of the lakes possibly conceived by the far-sighted Tamil kings in

the past. 800 years old wetland which serves ecosystem services for both human and

environment, are been greed by human for the selfishness, Today all the wetland in and around

Coimbatore are highly polluted. In fact, there are worrying signs that wetlands – and the services

they provide us with – are being lost at a higher rate than some other ecosystem types. A study

reveals that by 2025, 48 % of the world will live in water stressed regions (WRI). Once these

intimate linkages are damaged or destroyed, it is rarely possible to restore or recreate them.

Humanity prides itself on its advanced technologies and science portraying it as the ultimate

saviour in times of disaster but natural catastrophes in the past and present have time and again

have slapped us with the reality of the fact that we still and will always depend on these natural

systems to sustain and cradle human civilisation.

24

Action Plan

The following action need to be taken to save the Coimbatore Wetlands as a top priority.

Sl.no Activity Responsible authority

1 Removal of solid wastes and other

wastes

Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation and

Public Works Department

2 Sewage treatment plants Public Works Department and Coimbatore City

Municipal Corporation

3 Removing encroachment along the

supply channels

Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation and

Public Works Department

4 Protecting wetland birds Forest department, Coimbatore City Municipal

Corporation and NGOs

5

Creating small islands with native

trees for foraging and nesting of water

birds

Public Works Department, Forest Department

and NGOs

6 Eradication of Invasive Alien Species Forest department, Public Works Department

and NGOs

7 Plant native trees Forest department, Horticulture Department and

NGOs

8 Monitoring fishing activity Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation,

Fishery department and NGOs

9 Watch Dog Committees Civil society groups, researchers, fishermen and

local communities

10 Regular monitoring of water quality Pollution Control Board

11 Awareness NGOs, Collage and School

Vindhya Bachao

Highlight

Vindhya Bachao

Note

NGOs are authority??

25

References

Literature

Appasamy P., Nelliyat P., Jayakumar.N and Manivasagan. R. Economic Assessment of

Environmental Damage: A Case study of Industrial Water Pollution in Tiruppur.

Environmental Economics Research Committee (EERC) projects

Joseph Reginald Louis., C. Mahendran., Vinny R. Peter & P. Pramod. 2009. Conservation of

bird life in an urban wetland: problems and concerns - A case study. Proceedings of the 2009

International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Singapore.

pp 508 – 512.

Lenin Sundar M and Saseetharan M.K (2008) Groundwater quality in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

along Noyyal River. Journal of Environ.Science & Engg . 50, 187

Mathew M, Sathish Kumar M, Azeez PA, Sivakumar R, Pattabi S. (2002). Sediment quality of

wetlands in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Bulletin of Environmental

Contamination and Toxicology. 68(3):389-93.

National Institute of Urban Affairs. 2006. Appraisal of City Development Plan: Coimbatore

Neelakantan.K.S (2008). Conservation and Restoration of lakes in Tamil Nadu. Proceedings of

Taal2007: The 12th

World lake Conference: 1669-1671.

Paul. M., Chanda. M., Gupta.S.S. 2011. Strategy and scenario for wetland conservation in India.

Chronicles of Young Scientists. 2: 1-5.

Surkar. D. Conserving Biodiversity in India.

http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/Radioserials/Conserving_Biodiversity2.pdf

Varunprasath.K and Nicholas Daniel. A. (2010). Comparison Studies of Three Freshwater Rivers

(Cauvery, Bhavani and Noyyal) in Tamilnadu, India. Iranica Journal of Energy &

Environment.1 (4): 315-320.

Internet

WRI. http://multimedia.wri.org/watersheds_2003/gm15.html

TIO, 2011. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Human-fury-over-Kovai-lakes-

/articleshow/7769806.cms?intenttarget=no

Narayana Murthi (2009). The New Indian Express, Vellore, Coimbatore (Edition), P (6)

The Hindu. 2012. http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article2963656.ece

The Hindu, 2011. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-

editorialfeatures/article1456459.ece

http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/Radioserials/Conserving_Biodiversity2.pdf

26

1. Ukkulam lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Ikkarai Boluvampatti

Latitude: 10° 57.51’ N and Longitude: 76° 45.29’ E

Size of wetland

Catchment area: 2.0565 Sq.km

Water Spread area: 187.059 Acres (0.757 Sq.km)

Capacity: 691497 Cubic Metres (24.42 M.cft)

Full Tank Level: 3.89 M

Max Water Level: 4.34 M

Top Bund Level: 5.26 M

Depth: 3.8862 Metres (12.75 Feet)

Length of the Bund: 1620.00 M

Length of Shoreline: Unknown

Ayacut: 232.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

This lake gets water from Nelli Anicut Channel

No of Inlets: 1 (1 canal)

No of Outlets: 2 (1 Weir dam and 1 sluice)

Length of Surplus escape: 14.35 M

Threats

Encroachments: Nil


Roads: Village roads on the south west side and east side.

Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010)

i. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi)

27

2. Pudukulam (Vedapatti lake)

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: East Chitrachavadi

Latitude: 10° 58'59” N and Longitude: 76° 53’47” E

Size of wetland

Catchment area: Not applicable









Ayacut: 94.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

This lake gets water from Chitraichavadi Anicut Channel


No of Outlets: 2 (1 pipe culvert and 1 sluice)

Length of Surplus escape: non surplus escape pipe culvert

Threats

Encroachments: Agricultural


Roads: Perur-Vedapatti road on south and east side on the bund

Other: Tree felling for fire wood which threat to the nesting birds on the wetland.


i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

iii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi)

iv. Tree felling: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

28

3. Kolarampathy lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: East Chitrachavadi


Size of wetland

Catchment area: Not applicable

Water Spread area: 66 Acres (0.267 Sq.km)









Inlet and outlets

This lake gets water from Chitraichavadi Anicut Channel


No of Outlets: 3(1 Weir dam and 2 sluice)


Threats

Encroachments: Agriculture


Roads: Perur-Nagarajapuram road on south and east side on the bund and mud road on northern bund





29

4. Narasampathy lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Vedapatti and Telungupalayam


Size of wetland

Catchment area: 9.946 Sq. Km (3.840 Sq.miles)






Depth: 3.3528 Metres (11 Feet)


Length of Shoreline: 3900 M


Inlet and outlets

Narsampathi is the first lake to receive water from the Noyyal River through Chitrachavadi anicut channel. It also receives runoff from a stream

course coming from the Maruthumalai forest area. The tank has one masonry weir of length 13.87 M located near Veerakeralam village.

No of Inlets: 4 (1 canal and 3 sewage inlets)



Threats

Major:

Encroachments: The Government has allotted 5.06 acres of land to TNAU and there are about 150 huts located on the bund covering an area of

6.00 acres. The total extent of encroachment is 12.00 acres.


Road: Marasipuram road passing through north eastern bund, black toped road on south east sides and Perur-Nagarajapuram on west side of the

lake.

Other: Untreated waste water form Nagarajapuram housing colony and a factory located close to the lake


i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi)


iii. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

30

5. Krishnampathy lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Telungupalayam


Size of wetland

Catchment area: 71.48 Sq.km (27.6 Sq.miles)










Inlet and outlets

The lake has two main feeding sources, Koilmedu and Karperayan and it also receives water from the Noyyal River through the Chitrachavadi

channel. The Karperayan stream course is bigger one, when compared to the Koilmedu. The Karperayan drain comes from the Marudamalai forest

area and directly joining the lake. Koilmedu receives water from the research farm area of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.



Length of Surplus escape: 24 M

Threats

Encroachments: 25 acres of land is given to the TNAU during the British period. Northern part of the lake is encroached by TNEB and

Corporation School Play ground to the extent of 15 acre. There are about 300 huts located in the foreshore area of the lake occupying about 3.00

acre. (Source: PWD/WRO, Bhavanisagar dam division, Irrigation sub division, Coimbatore)

Agriculture:


Roads: Narasipuram road is on the southern side, Poosaripalayam link road on the eastern bund and sugarcane institute road on the north west.




31

6. Selvampathy lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Telungupalayam


Size of wetland

Catchment area: 4 Sq.km (1.54 Sq.miles)










Inlet and outlets

The surplus water from the Krishnampathy lake reaches to Selvampathy. The outlet of the tank is connected to Kumarasamy lake. It receives

sewage water through two sewage inlets.




Threats

Major: Encroachments: Tamilnadu Civil Supplies Corporation occupies about 5.88 acre on the north- east part of the Selvampathy lake. 267 tiled houses

have come up illegally and cover to the extent of 8 acre over the past 25 years around this lake.


Roads: Thadagam to Narisipuram on the southern side of the lake.

Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake.




iii. High tension electric power line: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

32

7. Kumaraswamy lake (also known as Muthannakulam)

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Komarapalayam


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

The surplus water from the Selvampathy lake reaches to Kumarasamy lake. The outlet of the tank is connected to Selvachintamani lake. It

receives sewage water through many sewage inlets.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 Weir and many sewage inlets)

No of Outlets: 3 (1 group of surplus vents and 2 sluice)

Length of Surplus escape: 6 vents of 2.45x0.86 m

Threats

Encroachments: Number of tiled house, hutments and shops located on the north and east side on the lake


Roads: Thadagam road on the eastern side and Narisipuram road on the northern side of the lake

Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake.




iii. High tension electric power line: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

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8. Selva chinthamani kulam

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Komarapalayam


Size of wetland









Length of Shoreline: 1500.00 M

Ayacut: 72.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

It receives excess water from the Kumaraswamy tank. The outlet of the tank is in the form of regulator with three shutters. The

shutters are located along the Perur road. The excess water from the tank will reach Coimbatore big tank in the down stream.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 canal and many sewage inlets)

No of Outlets: 1 (1 sluice)

Surplus escape: Regulator with 3 vents

Threats



Roads: Siruvani main road is the Southern side of this lake. The vehicle traffic is heavy in this road.




iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

34

9. Sottaiyandi Kuttai lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Perur


Size of wetland










Ayacut: 53.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

It receives excess water from the Kunniamuthur Anaicut Channel


No of Outlets: 1 (1 Weir and 1 sluice)


Threats



Roads: Village road on northern bund




iii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

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10. Ganganarayananasamudharam lake

Location



Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives excess water from the Sottaiyandi Kuttai Lake

No of Inlets: 1 (1 weir)



Threats



Roads: SH-164 road passing along on the southern and village road on northern bund





36

11. Puttuvikki lake (aka Perur lake or Sundakkamuttur lake)

Location



Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives excess water from the Ganganarayanasamudharam Lake

No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel)



Threats



Roads: Kovai-Puthur bypass road on the eastern side on the lake and A metal road connecting SH-164 with Kovai-Puthur bypass road

on the northern bund





37

12. Senkulam lake (aka Kuniyamuthur lake)

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kuniyamuthur,

Sundakkamuthur


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives excess water from the Perur Big Lake




Threats



Roads: A village road connecting Kovai-Puthur bypass road with Kuniyamuthur on the northern side





38

13. Kuniyamuthur small tank

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kuniyamuthur


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives water from the Kunniamuthur Senkulam Lake and catchment stream




Threats

Encroachments: Nil


Roads: Nil


i. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

39

14. Periyakulam (also known as Ukkadam big tank)

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Coimbatore


Size of wetland









Length of Shoreline: 5200.00 M


Inlet and outlets

The lake is being fed by Coimbatore anicut channel from the Coimbatore anicut on Noyyal River. The lake also receives surplus water from the

Selvachinthamani lake located in the upstream (north-west).

The lake is provided with the outlet connection to feed the Valankulam lake, which is located east side of the lake. It has surplus weir arrangement

of about 25.8 m situated south side of the lake, which is a masonry weir with side walls and solid apron.

No of Inlets: 7 (1 from River Noyyal, 1 from Selvachintamani and 5 sewage inlets)

No of Outlets: 5 (1 Weir and 4 sluices)


Threats

Encroachments: This tank has huge encroachment on the boundary area. One big taxi stand is being operated on the tank bund in north-eastern

corner. Farmers cultivate green leafy vegetables with the drainage water inside the water spread area. All kinds of solid wastes are dumped on the

tank bund and near the tanks. There are 300 pucca/thatched houses located at the toe of the bund on southern side of the tank. The approximate

area under the encroachment is around 10 acres. (Source: PWD/WRO, Bhavanisagar dam division, Irrigation sub division, Coimbatore)


Roads: Siruvani byepass road is the Northern side of this lake. Pollachi/Palghat road is on the eastern side of this lake. The vehicle traffic is heavy

in this road.




40

15. Valankulam lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Ramanathapuram


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Coimbatore anicut channel through the Coimbatore big lake and surplus into a stream, which falls into the Singanallur

lake. Earlier the water used to reach Ammankulam but now it is diverted directly to the Sanganur pallam drain. The present length of the water

passage is 6.0 m at Sungam junction in the city. All the sluices are blocked and the water drains are encroached.

No of Inlets: 7 (1 from River Noyyal, 1 from Selvachintamani and 5 sewage inlets)


Length of Surplus escape: 21.04 M (now reduced to 6 M passage)

Threats

Encroachments: The Government has allotted 14.00 acres to Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation [TNSTC], 2.384 acres to Tamilnadu

electricity board, 0.08 acres to Kuppuswamy [an individual] and 6.28 acres is proposed for allotment for Southern railways. Apart from the above,

bye pass road is formed in the tank bed reducing the tank storage area considerably. There are about 1500 huts located in the tank occupying about

15.00 acres. (Source: PWD/WRO, Bhavanisagar dam division, Irrigation sub division, Coimbatore). Heavy encroachment is found on the north

side of the tank. When water level lowers, encroachment extends by dumping debris along the onshore side of the tank.


Roads: Bypass road from Singanallur to Ukkadam. A road from Trichy road near Coimbatore Medical College Hospital passes over the tank to

join the bypass road.




41

16. Kurichi lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kurichi


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Kurichi anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal, 2 sewage inlets)



Threats

Encroachments: School, hutments, shops and temple located in the land filled areas and agriculture


Roads: Dindigul to Bangalore NH-209 passing along the eastern side of the lake

Other: Kurichi industrial estate is located within 2 km radius from the lake. 3.5 acres on the south eastern side Coimbatore

cooperation proposed to build a bus stand with shopping complex (land worth 700 cores).





42

17. Vellalore lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Vellalore


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Vellalore anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal, 1 sewage inlet)



Threats


Waste dumping: Nil

Roads: Nil

Other: Tree felling for fire wood which threat to the nesting birds on the wetland.



ii. Tree felling: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

43

18. Singanallur lake

Location

Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Singanallur


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Singanallur anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 5 (1 from River Noyyal, 1 from Sanganur channel 3 sewage inlet)


Length of Surplus escape: 30.564 M and 39.634 M

Threats



Roads: A mud road runs all on the eastern and southern bund. Railway line bisects the lake. Industry located close to the lake on the eastern

side.

Other: Dyeing and bleaching by fly by night operators





iv. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

44

19. Odderpalayam lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Pallapalayam


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Odderpalayam anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal)


Length of Surplus escape: 5.412 M and 25.609 M

Threats


Waste dumping: Waste dump yard located on western corner of the lake

Roads: Road along the northern side of the lake

Other: Industry is located close to the lake





45

20. Kannampalayam lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Kannampalayam


Size of wetland

Catchment area: Unknown

Water Spread area: Unknown








Ayacut: 58.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Odderpalayam anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 2 (1 channel from Odderpalayam lake and 1 sewage inlet)

No of Outlets: 2 (2 Weir)

Length of Surplus escape: 17.00M

Threats



Roads: Road is found on all the four sides.




iii. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

46

21. Irugur lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Irugur


Size of wetland










Ayacut: 69.00 Acres

Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Irugur anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel from river Noyyal)

No of Outlets: 2 (1 Weir and 1 Sluice)


Threats


Waste dumping: Industrial waste

Roads: L&T bypass to Ravathur link road found on southern boundary of the lake





47

22. Neelambur Lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Neelambur


Size of wetland

Catchment area: 195 Sq.km (75.470 Sq.miles)










Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Irugur anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel from Irugur lake and 1 stream from catchment area)


Length of Surplus escape: 21.30, 32.50, 57.60 M

Threats

Encroachments: Agricultural

Waste dumping:Nil

Roads: Muthugounden pudur to Neelambur road on the northern bund




48

23. Sulur Big Lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Sulur


Size of wetland











Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Sulur anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 2 (1 channel from River Noyyal and 1 sewage inlet)


Length of Surplus escape: 1.07, 6.40M

Threats

Encroachments: Hutments and TamilNadu electric board located in the land filled areas and agriculture


Roads: Muthugounden pudur to suler road on the northern side on lake




49

24. Sulur small lake

Location

Taluk: Sulur, Village: Sulur


Size of wetland

Catchment area: 65.682 Sq.km (13.328+12.032 Sq.miles)

Water Spread area: Unknown









Inlet and outlets

It receives supply from the Sulur anicut channel.

No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel from River Noyyal)


Length of Surplus escape: 4.48, 60.98 M

Threats

Encroachments: Temple

Waste dumping: Nil

Roads: Muthugounden pudur to suler road eastern side on the lake



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