The poor condition of the Kosavampatti lake in Namakkal municipal limits is a matter of concern to the local community.
The lake situated on the Sendamangalam road on the eastern side of the bus stand in the town which accounted for a water spread area of 36 acres is in a deplorable condition with bushes and weed all around. The failure of the authorities to maintain this major water body properly for years together has only worsened the situation.
The lake once was the main source for drinking water supply and farm operations and the storage of water played a major in recharging ground water in the surrounding area in a big way.
Of late, the lake has only bushes and other weeds reducing the water storage area to a considerable extent. It has also turned into a garbage dumping ground for the industrial units functioning nearby.
The encroachments in the supply channel, improper maintenance has affected the flow of water to the lake even during the monsoon period.
What has caused much anxiety to the people living in the surrounding areas is the mixing of sewage water released from the residential localities and polluting the lake water.
The local people have urged the state government to take steps for the removal of encroachments and weeds and clean the water body with immediate effect.
R. Pranavakumar, a college teacher turned social activist, said that the Namakkal district experienced normal average annual rainfall of 716 mm. Despite the district getting adequate rainfall, severe water scarcity is being experienced in different parts of the district during the summer months due to the non-flow of water into the lakes following their poor condition.
The district administration and the Public Works Department should take immediate steps for the desilting and renovation of all the lakes in the district to increase the water holding capacity.
Referring to the Kosavampatti lake, he urged the authorities to prevent the lake water getting polluted with the mixing of sewage water. This will check the ground water getting polluted. All the encroachments in the water spread area should be removed and steps should be taken for deepening the lake to increase its water holding capacity.
The local people have also demanded Namakkal Municipality to take steps for the beautification of the lake and its bunds and convert it into a tourist attraction.
