Kozhikode: The survey for constructing a ₹40-crore freshwater lake on the unused water-logged paddy field on the western side of the Paroppady-Kannadikkal road will begin on Saturday.
The ambitious project involves development of land for recreational purposes, including boating facilities, in around 65 acres located in Chevayoor and Vengeri villages. The State government has already sanctioned ₹20 crore for the project, thanks to the initiative of Kozhikode North legislator A. Pradeepkumar.
At present, the land is in the possession of 30 persons. Interestingly, they have expressed readiness either to part with their property or to have shares in the proposed society for managing the lake. “The emphasis is on the creation and maintenance of a vast waterbody as a reservoir of potable water for the city. We do not like to run the project on commercial basis,” Mr. Pradeepkumar said.
The proposed site is connected to the Kannadikkal river by a man-made canal. It gets flooded during monsoon due to overflow from the river. During dry seasons, water flows back to the river. Incidentally, a little amount of water remains in the land even in the driest of seasons.
Regional Town Planner K.V. Abdul Malik, who led a study, said the concurrent benefits were rise in groundwater table, enabling better farming activities in the region; positive impact on microclimate; less pollution and environmental conservation. So, the project is an apt initiative that can be taken up by the Harithakeralam Mission launched by the State government recently.
Besides, he said the lake was to be made impervious through suitable treatment of the soil layer after a detailed hydrologic and engineering study. The lake thus created can be used for tourism activities and non-polluting aquaculture, so that the investment is financially justified. “Around 20 acres will be maintained as lake with an average depth of three metres. So, the proposed lake will have a storage capacity of 2,400 lakh litres. Five acres on the periphery of the lake will be developed for recreational activities,” Mr. Malik added.
A special purpose vehicle in the form of a limited company will be created to implement the project. It will have representation by elected representatives, government officials, city corporation, investors, and bankers.
