Coimbatore Wetlands

Environmental Degradation of the Coimbatore Wetlands in
the Noyyal River Basin
A. Pragatheesh 2013 EIA Resource and

Pushp Jain 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
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)
1
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.
2
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
3
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
4
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.
5
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.
Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing developmental pressure

Urbanization for residential, industrial and commercial facilities. Urban wetlands are
essential for preserving public water supplies.
Anthropogenic Due to unplanned urban and agricultural development, industries, road
activities construction, impoundment, resource extraction and dredge disposal,
wetlands have been drained and transformed, causing substantial economic
and ecological losses in the long term.
Agricultural Following the Green Revolution of the 1970s, vast stretches of wetlands
activities 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 Construction of canals and diversion of streams and rivers to transport
activities 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 Indian wetlands are threatened by exotic introduced plant species such as
species water hyacinth and salvinia. They clog waterways and compete with native
vegetation.
Climate Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of
change storms, droughts, and floods; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentration; and sea level rise could also affect wetlands.
6
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.
7
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
Lake bed area Storage Capacity

Lakes Based on irrigation Present Based on irrigation Present
memoir(acres) (acres) memoir(Mcft) (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
8
Coimbatore Big 320 337 70 97
lake/Ukkadam
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
9
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
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University-
Government
Narasampathy TNAU (5.06 acres)
150 huts Private
TNAU (25 acres) Government
Krishnampathy Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, and
Corporation school playground (15 Government
acre of land)
Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies
Government
Selvampathy Corporation (5.88 acre)
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
Taxi stand Private
Periyakulam 300 pucca/thatched houses Private
Agriculture Private
Tamil Nadu State Transport
Government
Corporation (14.00 acres)
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (2.384
Government
acres)
Valankulam Proposed diversion for Southern
Government
railways (6.28 acres)
Kuppuswamy
0.08 acres
(individual)
1500 huts (15.00 acres) Private
School Government
Kurichi
hutments, shops Private
10
Temple Public
Agriculture Private
Vellalore Agriculture Private
Singanallur Agriculture Private
Odderpalayam Agriculture Private
Kannampalayam Agriculture Private
Irugur Agriculture Private
Neelambur Agriculture Private
Hutments Private
Sulur big 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 34 th 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
12
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).
13
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
14
 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.
15
Violation under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010
S. Lake Activity Violation Under Rules

Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
1 Ukkulam lake
Roads: Village roads on the south west side and east side Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)
2 Pudukulam lake 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)
Kolarampathi Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
3
lake Roads: Perur-Nagarajapuram road on south and east side on the bund and
Under section 4 (1)(vi)
mud road on northern bund
Encroachments: The Government has allotted 5.06 acre of land to TNAU Under section 4 (1)(vi)
and there are about 150 huts located on the bund covering an area of 6 acre.
The total extent of encroachment is 12 acres.
Narasampathy Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
4
lake Road: Marasipuram road passing through north eastern bund, black toped Under section 4 (1)(vi)
road on south east side and Perur-Nagarajapuram on west side of the lake
Other: Untreated waste water form Nagarajapuram housing colony and a
Under section 4 (1)(v)
factory located close to the 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
Krishnampathy in the foreshore area of the lake occupying about 3 acre. (Source: PWD/WRO,
5 Bhavanisagar Dam Division, Irrigation Sub-Division, Coimbatore)
lake
Encrochment : Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)
16
Roads: Narasipuram road is on the southern side, Poosaripalayam link road on
the eastern bund and Sugarcane Breeding Institute road on the north west
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
6 Selvampathy lake 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)
Encroachments: Number of tiled house, hutments and shops located on the Under section 4 (1)(vi)
north and east side on the lake
Kumaraswamy Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
7
lake Roads: Thadagam road on the eastern side and Narisipuram road on the Under section 4 (1)(vi)
northern side of the lake
Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake. Under section 4 (1)(vii)
Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Under section 4 (2)(x)
Selvachinthamani Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
8
lake
Roads: Siruvani main road is the Southern side of this lake. The vehicle
traffic is heavy in this road
Sottaiyandikuttai
9 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
lake
Roads: Village road on northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Ganganarayanana Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
10
samudharam lake
Roads: SH-164 road passing along on the southern and village road on
northern bund
11 Puttuvikki lake
17
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
Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas Under section 4 (1)(vi)
12 Senkulam lake Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)
Roads: A village road connecting Kovai-Puthur bypass road with
Kuniyamuthur on the northern side
Kuniyamuthur Waste dumping: Domestic waste water
13 Under section 4 (1)(v)
small tank
Encroachments: This lake has huge encroachment on the boundary area. One Under section 4 (1)(vi)
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
14 Periyakulam
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
Encroachments: The Government has allotted 14 acre to Tamil Nadu State Under section 4 (1)(vi)
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
15 Valankulam lake
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.
18
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 Under section 4 (1)(vi)
bypass road
Encroachments: School, hutments, shops and temple located in the land filled Under section 4 (1)(vi)
areas
Encroachments:Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)
16 Kurichi lake
Roads: Dindigul to Bangalore NH-209 passing along the eastern side of the
lake
17 Vellalore lake
Other: Tree felling for fire wood - threat to nesting birds at the wetland Under section 4 (1)(vii)
Roads: A mud road runs all on the eastern and southern bund, Railway line Under section 4 (1)(vi)
18 Singanallur lake bisects the lake. Industry located close to the lake on the eastern side.
Other: Untreated sewage waste water form Sanganur and Kanllimabai
Under section 4 (1)(v)
villages passing through Sanganur channel
Other: Dyeing and bleaching by ‘fly by night operators’ Under section 4 (1)(v)
Odderpalayam
19 Waste dumping: Waste dump site located on western corner of the lake Under section 4 (1)(iv)
lake
Roads: Road along the northern side of the lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Kannampalayam
20 Waste dumping: Domestic waste water Under section 4 (1)(v)
lake
Roads: Road on all the four sides Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Waste dumping: Industrial waste Under section 4 (1)(iv)
21 Irugur lake
Roads: L&T bypass to Ravathur link road found on southern boundary of the
lake
22 Neelambur lake
Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Neelambur road on the northern bund Under section 4 (1)(vi)
19
Encroachments: Hutments and Tamil Nadu Electric Board located in the Under section 4 (1)(vi)
land filled areas
23 Sulur big lake Encroachment: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x)
Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Suler road on the northern side on lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)
Encroachment: Temple Under section 4 (1)(vi)
24 Sulur small lake
Roads: Muthugounden Pudur to Suler road eastern side on the lake Under section 4 (1)(vi)
20
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
21
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.
22
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.
23
Action Plan
The following action need to be taken to save the Coimbatore Wetlands as a top priority.
Sl.no Activity Responsible authority

Removal of solid wastes and other Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation and
1
wastes Public Works Department
Public Works Department and Coimbatore City
2 Sewage treatment plants
Municipal Corporation
Removing encroachment along the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation and
3
supply channels Public Works Department
Forest department, Coimbatore City Municipal
4 Protecting wetland birds
Corporation and NGOs
Creating small islands with native
Public Works Department, Forest Department
5 trees for foraging and nesting of water
and NGOs
birds
Forest department, Public Works Department
6 Eradication of Invasive Alien Species
and NGOs
Forest department, Horticulture Department and
7 Plant native trees
NGOs
Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation,
8 Monitoring fishing activity
Fishery department and NGOs
Civil society groups, researchers, fishermen and
9 Watch Dog Committees
local communities
10 Regular monitoring of water quality Pollution Control Board
11 Awareness NGOs, Collage and School
24
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
25
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
Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund
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)
26
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 Inlets: 1 (1 canal)
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)
27
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

28
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)
29
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.
30
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)
31
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)
32
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
Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture
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)
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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)
34
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
35
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
36
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
37
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
Waste dumping: Domestic waste water
Roads: Nil
i. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)
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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.
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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.
40
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).
41
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)
42
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)
43
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
44
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
Waste dumping: Domestic waste water
Roads: Road is found on all the four sides.
iii. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)
45
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
46
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
47
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
48
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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Coimbatore Wetlands

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Coimbatore Wetlands

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Environmental Degradation of the Coimbatore Wetlands in

the Noyyal River Basin

A. Pragatheesh 2013 EIA Resource and

Coimbatore District Epigraphs

EIA Resource and Response Centre (ERC)

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

Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE)

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

Water purification and Nutrient Retention

Biodiversity (Plant and Animals)

Aesthetic and Recreation Value

Wetland Products and Local Employment

Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing developmental pressure

Ramsar convention defines wetlands as

Table : Lake Hydraulic Particulars

Lake bed area Storage Capacity

Table: Lakes and Type of Encroachments

Lake name Type of Encroachment Authority

Untreated Industrial water flowing towards Valankulam lake

Depletion of Ground Water

Weed Growth and Eutrophication

Eichornia crassipes in Selvachinthamani lake Eichornia crassipes in Singanallur lake

Destruction of Avian Habitat

Commercialisation versus Conservation –Green Triumph

Conditions and Assumptions

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

S. Lake Activity Violation Under Rules

Sl.no Activity Responsible authority

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

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

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

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

Inlet and outlets

Inlet and outlets

Inlet and outlets

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