Oussudu Lake on the verge of drying up

(Clockwise) Despite low water levels, Oussudu lake in Puducherry has been attracting spot billed pelican and other migratory birds. Photo: S.S. Kumar

The Oussudu Lake, a major tourist spot and one of the largest wetlands on the outskirts of the city is on the verge of completely drying up thanks to lack of any concrete plan to desilt the tank and raise the water level.

Large dry patches have appeared on the lake and all the major channels that feed the lake which has a water spread of over 820 hectares both in Puducherry and neighbouring Villupuram district remains heavily silted.

Even though the city received more than the average rainfall for the last few years, the lake has not received any water. Though repeated representations were made to the administration to desilt the lake and raise the water level it has failed to evoke any response, said a PWD official.

The water level in the lake has gone down consistently for the first time and there hasn’t been enough water to operate even the pedalling boats at the boat house, the official said.

“Water hyacinth and wild weeds cover a major portion of the lake and present a pathetic look. In addition, dumping of bio-medical waste in the lake has also led to its slow degradation. I have urged the Chief Minister to find a permanent solution to the weed problem and also spruce up the surroundings in the lake,” said Oussudu MLA P. Karthikeyan.

Last year, the weed problem plaguing the lake was solved to a certain extent with the help of Rs.1.21-lakh assistance from the Forest Department.

The PWD is trying to secure the permission of the Forest Department to remove the weeds and replenish the pond to augment drinking water supply to the city, said a senior official.

The Oussudu Lake has a total capacity of 540 million cubic feet. The plan envisages drawing of water from the Oussudu Lake to the Ayee pond located a few metres from the Muthurarpalayam pumping station.