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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

11 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) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) 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) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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 Under section 4 (1)(vi) 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, Krishnampathy 5 Bhavanisagar Dam Division, Irrigation Sub-Division, Coimbatore) lake Encrochment : Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv)

16 Roads: Narasipuram road is on the southern side, Poosaripalayam link road on Under section 4 (1)(vi) the eastern bund and Sugarcane Breeding Institute road on the north west Encroachments: Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation occupies about 5.88 Under section 4 (1)(vi) 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) 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 8 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) lake Roads: Siruvani main road is the Southern side of this lake. The vehicle Under section 4 (1)(vi) traffic is heavy in this road Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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) Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Under section 4 (1)(vi) Under section 4 (2)(x) Ganganarayanana 10 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) samudharam lake Roads: SH-164 road passing along on the southern and village road on Under section 4 (1)(vi) northern bund Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Under section 4 (1)(vi) 11 Puttuvikki lake Under section 4 (2)(x)

17 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) Roads: Kovai-Puthur bypass road on the eastern side on the lake and a metal Under section 4 (1)(vi) 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) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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 Under section 4 (1)(vi) 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) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) Roads: Siruvani by pass road on the northern side, Pollachi/Palghat road is on Under section 4 (1)(vi) 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) Roads: Dindigul to Bangalore NH-209 passing along the eastern side of the Under section 4 (1)(vi) lake Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 17 Vellalore lake Other: Tree felling for fire wood - threat to nesting birds at the wetland Under section 4 (1)(vii) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) 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) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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) Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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 Under section 4 (1)(vi) lake Encroachments: Agriculture Under section 4 (2)(x) 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) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Under section 4 (1)(iv) 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)

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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 Water Spread area: 52.139 Acres (0.211 Sq.km) Capacity: 96560 Cubic Metres (3.41 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 1.37 M Max Water Level: 1.67 M Top Bund Level: 2.87 M Depth: 1.3716 Metres (4.5 Feet) Length of the Bund: 780.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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.

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

3. Kolarampathy lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: East Chitrachavadi Latitude: 10° 59'00” N and Longitude: 76° 59’25” E Size of wetland Catchment area: Not applicable Water Spread area: 66 Acres (0.267 Sq.km) Capacity: 96560 Cubic Metres (3.41 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 1.52 M Max Water Level: 1.97 M Top Bund Level: 3.17 M Depth: 1.6764 Metres (5.5 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1170.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 133.00 Acres Inlet and outlets This lake gets water from Chitraichavadi Anicut Channel No of Inlets: 1 (1 canal) No of Outlets: 3(1 Weir dam and 2 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 7.5 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Perur-Nagarajapuram road on south and east side on the bund and mud road on northern bund

4. Narasampathy lake

Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Vedapatti and Telungupalayam Latitude: 10° 59'58” N and Longitude: 76° 54’31” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 9.946 Sq. Km (3.840 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 124 Acres (0.502 Sq.km) Capacity: 269010 Cubic Metres (9.50 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.35 M Max Water Level: 3.95 M Top Bund Level: 5.32 M Depth: 3.3528 Metres (11 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1600.00 M Length of Shoreline: 3900 M Ayacut: 551.00 Acres 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) No of Outlets: 4 (1 Weir dam and 3 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 13.87 M 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. Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

5. Krishnampathy lake

Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Telungupalayam Latitude: 11° 00'17” N and Longitude: 76° 55’14” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 71.48 Sq.km (27.6 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 176.185 Acres (0.712 Sq.km) Capacity: 217190 Cubic Metres (7.67 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.35 M Max Water Level: 4.25 M Top Bund Level: 5.35 M Depth: 3.3528 Metres (11 Feet) Length of the Bund: 950.00 M Length of Shoreline: 2800 M Ayacut: 569.00 Acres 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. No of Inlets: 4 (1 canal and 3 sewage inlets) No of Outlets: 3 (1 Weir dam and 2 sluice) 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: Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Narasipuram road is on the southern side, Poosaripalayam link road on the eastern bund and sugarcane institute road on the north west. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

6. Selvampathy lake

Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Telungupalayam Latitude: 10° 59'27” N and Longitude: 76° 56’42” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 4 Sq.km (1.54 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 70 Acres (0.283 Sq.km) Capacity: 281752 Cubic Metres (9.95 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.35 M Max Water Level: 4.11 M Top Bund Level: 5.02 M Depth: 3.3528 Metres (11 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1116.00 M Length of Shoreline: 2400 M Ayacut: 206.00 Acres 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. No of Inlets: 3 (1 canal and 2 sewage inlets) No of Outlets: 2 (1 Weir dam and 1 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 6.10 M 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. Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Thadagam to Narisipuram on the southern side of the lake. Other: High tension electric power line passing through the lake. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. High tension electric power line: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

7. Kumaraswamy lake (also known as Muthannakulam) Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Komarapalayam Latitude: 10° 59'27” N and Longitude: 76° 56’42” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 11.95 Sq.km (4.610 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 93.90 Acres (0.380 Sq.km) Capacity: 281752 Cubic Metres (19.89 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.20 M Max Water Level: 3.96 M Top Bund Level: 4.87 M Depth: 3.2 Metres (10.5 Feet) Length of the Bund: 750.00 M

Length of Shoreline: 2400 M Ayacut: 190.00 Acres 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. High tension electric power line: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

8. Selva chinthamani kulam Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Komarapalayam Latitude: 10° 59'29” N and Longitude: 76° 56’50” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 1.69 Sq.km (0.653 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 37 Acres (0.149 Sq.km) Capacity: 85600 Cubic Metres (3.02 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 1.83 M Max Water Level: 2.28 M Top Bund Level: 3.91 M Depth: 1.829 Metres (6 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1500.00 M 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 Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Siruvani main road is the Southern side of this lake. The vehicle traffic is heavy in this road. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

9. Sottaiyandi Kuttai lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Perur Latitude: 10° 58'10” N and Longitude: 76° 54’08” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 1.69 Sq.km (0.205 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 37 Acres (0.202 Sq.km) Capacity: 85600 Cubic Metres (2.83 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 2.13 M Max Water Level: 2.59 M Top Bund Level: 3.50 M Depth: 1.829 Metres (7 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1050.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 53.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives excess water from the Kunniamuthur Anaicut Channel No of Inlets: 1 (1 canal) No of Outlets: 1 (1 Weir and 1 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 4.878 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Village road on northern bund Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) iii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

10. Ganganarayananasamudharam lake

Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Perur Latitude: 10° 58'10” N and Longitude: 76° 54’29” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 0.5 Sq.km (0.205 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 40 Acres (0.162 Sq.km) Capacity: 82000 Cubic Metres (2.89 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.04 M Max Water Level: 3.50 M Top Bund Level: 4.41 M Depth: 3.02 Metres (9.90 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1450.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 342.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives excess water from the Sottaiyandi Kuttai Lake No of Inlets: 1 (1 weir) No of Outlets: 1 (1 Weir and 1 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 3.354 M Threats Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: SH-164 road passing along on the southern and village road on northern bund Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

11. Puttuvikki lake (aka Perur lake or Sundakkamuttur lake) Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Perur Latitude: 10° 58'06” N and Longitude: 76° 55’41” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 5.768 Sq.km (2.227 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 265 Acres (1.072 Sq.km) Capacity: 1470777 Cubic Metres (51.94 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 4.51 M Max Water Level: 5.12 M Top Bund Level: 6.49 M Depth: 4.511 Metres (14.80 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1350.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 866.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives excess water from the Ganganarayanasamudharam Lake No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel) No of Outlets: 7 (1 Weir and 6 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 35.67 M Threats Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

12. Senkulam lake (aka Kuniyamuthur lake) Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kuniyamuthur, Sundakkamuthur Latitude: 10° 57'04” N and Longitude: 76° 56’33” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 5.768 Sq.km (2.227 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 265 Acres (1.072 Sq.km) Capacity: 864000 Cubic Metres (30.51 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 4.16 M Max Water Level: 4.77 M Top Bund Level: 6.14 M Depth: 4.145 Metres (13.60 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2200.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 486.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives excess water from the Perur Big Lake No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel) No of Outlets: 3 (1 Weir and 2 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 17.80 M Threats Encroachments: Hutments located in the land filled areas and agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: A village road connecting Kovai-Puthur bypass road with Kuniyamuthur on the northern side Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

13. Kuniyamuthur small tank Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kuniyamuthur Latitude: 10° 57'04” N and Longitude: 76° 56’54” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 14.589 Sq.km (5.632 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 25 Acres (0.101 Sq.km) Capacity: 2550 Cubic Metres (0.09 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 2.29 M Max Water Level: 2.74 M Top Bund Level: 3.66 M Depth: 2.286 Metres (7.50 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1000.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 486.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives water from the Kunniamuthur Senkulam Lake and catchment stream No of Inlets: 2 (1 channel) No of Outlets: 2 (1 Weir and 1 sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 41.77 M Threats Encroachments: Nil Waste dumping: Domestic waste water Roads: Nil Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

14. Periyakulam (also known as Ukkadam big tank) Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Coimbatore Latitude: 10° 59'06” N and Longitude: 76° 56’58” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 27.85 Sq.km (10.752 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 320 Acres (1.295 Sq.km) Capacity: 1980800 Cubic Metres (69.95 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 5.82 M Max Water Level: 6.51 M Top Bund Level: 7.88 M Depth: 5.822 Metres (19.10 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2880.00 M Length of Shoreline: 5200.00 M Ayacut: 1425.00 Acres

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) Length of Surplus escape: 15.40 M 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) Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

15. Valankulam lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Ramanathapuram Latitude: 10° 59'20” N and Longitude: 76° 57’55” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 21.217 Sq.km (8.192 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 160 Acres (0.648 Sq.km) Capacity: 789500 Cubic Metres (27.88 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 4.50 M Max Water Level: 5.12 M Top Bund Level: 6.48 M Depth: 4.497 Metres (14.75 Feet) Length of the Bund: 3000.00 M Length of Shoreline: 5600 M Ayacut: 870.00 Acres

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) No of Outlets: 5 (1 Weir and 6 sluices) 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. Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

16. Kurichi lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Kurichi Latitude: 10° 57'56” N and Longitude: 76° 57’54” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 16.24 Sq.km (6.272 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 334 Acres (1.352 Sq.km) Capacity: 1700000 Cubic Metres (60.00 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.28 M Max Water Level: 3.83 M Top Bund Level: 24.74 M Depth: 3.277 Metres (10.75 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2400.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 452.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives supply from the Kurichi anicut channel. No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal, 2 sewage inlets) No of Outlets: 6 (1 Weir and 5 sluices) Length of Surplus escape: 27.44 M Threats Encroachments: School, hutments, shops and temple located in the land filled areas and agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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). Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv) iii. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x)

17. Vellalore lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Vellalore Latitude: 10° 58'12” N and Longitude: 77° 00’40” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 11.60 Sq.km (4.480 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 86 Acres (0.348 Sq.km) Capacity: 424753 Cubic Metres (15.00 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.68 M Max Water Level: 4.29 M Top Bund Level: 5.66 M Depth: 3.682 Metres (12.08 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2050.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 327.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives supply from the Vellalore anicut channel. No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal, 1 sewage inlet) No of Outlets: 5 (1 Weir and 4 sluices) Length of Surplus escape: 6.25 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Nil Roads: Nil Other: Tree felling for fire wood which threat to the nesting birds on the wetland. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Tree felling: Under section 4 (1)(vii)

18. Singanallur lake Location Taluk: Coimbatore (South), Village: Singanallur Latitude: 10° 59'48” N and Longitude: 77° 01’11” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 30.50 Sq.km (11.776 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 285 Acres (1.153 Sq.km) Capacity: 1479555 Cubic Metres (52.27 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 4.25 M Max Water Level: 5.17 M Top Bund Level: 6.69 M Depth: 4.252 Metres (13.95 Feet) Length of the Bund: 3102.00 M

Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 845.00 Acres 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) No of Outlets: 4 (1 Weir and 3 sluices) Length of Surplus escape: 30.564 M and 39.634 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) 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. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

19. Odderpalayam lake Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Pallapalayam Latitude: 10° 59'11” N and Longitude: 77° 07’40” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 92.83 Sq.km (35.840 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 285 Acres (0.498 Sq.km) Capacity: 1479555 Cubic Metres (10.77 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 1.91 M Max Water Level: 2.82 M Top Bund Level: 3.73 M Depth: 4.252 Metres (6.25 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2300.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 117.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives supply from the Odderpalayam anicut channel. No of Inlets: 1 (1 from River Noyyal) No of Outlets: 3 (2 Weir and 1 sluices) Length of Surplus escape: 5.412 M and 25.609 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) iii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

20. Kannampalayam lake Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Kannampalayam Latitude: 11° 00'00” N and Longitude: 77° 08’13” E Size of wetland Catchment area: Unknown Water Spread area: Unknown Capacity: 67960 Cubic Metres (2.40 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 2.74 M Max Water Level: 3.34 M Top Bund Level: 4.24 M Depth: 2.743 Metres (9.00 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1050.00 M Length of Shoreline: 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 Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Domestic waste water Roads: Road is found on all the four sides. Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) iii. Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents: Under section 4 (1)(v)

21. Irugur lake Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Irugur Latitude: 11° 01'15” N and Longitude: 77° 05’00” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 13.26 Sq.km (5.120 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 64 Acres (0.259 Sq.km) Capacity: 226000 Cubic Metres (7.98 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 2.64 M Max Water Level: 3.25 M Top Bund Level: 4.17 M Depth: 2.643 Metres (8.67 Feet) Length of the Bund: 854.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown 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) Length of Surplus escape: 25.61 M Threats Encroachments: Agriculture Waste dumping: Industrial waste Roads: L&T bypass to Ravathur link road found on southern boundary of the lake Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) iii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

22. Neelambur Lake Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Neelambur Latitude: 11° 03'29” N and Longitude: 77° 05’11” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 195 Sq.km (75.470 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 165 Acres (0.668 Sq.km) Capacity: 701125 Cubic Metres (24.76 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 4.42 M Max Water Level: 5.02 M Top Bund Level: 7.42 M Depth: 4.450 Metres (14.60 Feet) Length of the Bund: 2561.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 334.00 Acres 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) No of Outlets: 3 (1 Weir and 2 Sluice) 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Agriculture: Under section 4 (2)(x) ii. Road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi)

23. Sulur Big Lake

Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Sulur Latitude: 11° 01'40” N and Longitude: 77° 07’20” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 22.54 Sq.km (8.704 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: 82 Acres (0.332 Sq.km) Capacity: 508004 Cubic Metres (17.94 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 2.59 M Max Water Level: 3.28 M Top Bund Level: 4.12 M Depth: 2.591 Metres (8.50 Feet) Length of the Bund: 1450.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 522.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives supply from the Sulur anicut channel. No of Inlets: 2 (1 channel from River Noyyal and 1 sewage inlet) No of Outlets: 3 (1 Weir and 2 Sluice) Length of Surplus escape: 1.07, 6.40M Threats Encroachments: Hutments and TamilNadu electric board located in the land filled areas and agriculture Waste dumping: Building debris and domestic solid waste along the bund Roads: Muthugounden pudur to suler road on the northern side on lake Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi) ii. Solid Waste dumping: Under section 4 (1)(iv)

24. Sulur small lake Location Taluk: Sulur, Village: Sulur Latitude: 11° 01'53” N and Longitude: 77° 07’53” E Size of wetland Catchment area: 65.682 Sq.km (13.328+12.032 Sq.miles) Water Spread area: Unknown Capacity: 411727 Cubic Metres (14.54 M.cft) Full Tank Level: 3.97 M Max Water Level: 4.35 M Top Bund Level: 5.27 M Depth: 3.972 Metres (13.03 Feet) Length of the Bund: 110.00 M Length of Shoreline: Unknown Ayacut: 522.00 Acres Inlet and outlets It receives supply from the Sulur anicut channel. No of Inlets: 1 (1 channel from River Noyyal) No of Outlets: 3 (1 Weir and 2 Sluice) 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 Violation (According to Wetland (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010) i. Encroachment and road construction: Under section 4 (1)(vi)