Kovai corpn warned over Singanallur lake mess

A division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha on recording submissions as to how the lake under the garb of smart city project is being developed like a park, said: “In the light of the interim order in operation, the Coimbatore Corporation, in coordination with the Commissioner of Police, shall ensure that no more fishing activities take place in the said lake and it is made clear that if any infraction is noted, cost and consequences would follow including proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act.” Also, the bench, on pointing out that a perusal of the report on the Water and Waste Water Management would disclose among other things, that 10MLD of wastewater flows into the lake, said: “To preserve and protect the lake, the Waste Water Management Strategy for Inlet-2 have to be implemented immediately.” “If the sewerage/drainage water is allowed to be flowed freely into Singanallur Lake, at some point of time, it may go in the direction of Noyyal River which is beyond any redemption as well as famous Coovum River, which flows through the City of Chennai,” the bench said while directing the Corporation to do the needful immediately.

Petitioner’s counsel A Yogeshwaran on citing the report filed by the forest department and the need to protect the biodiversity of the lake, said had submitted that places surrounding Singanallur lake is a BioDiversity Zone and there are lot of animals, birds, which come under Schedule – I and need to be protected.

He also pointed out that under the garb of Smart City Project, areas in and around Singanallur Lake cannot be developed like a Park etc and that apart, the natural plants which grow in and around the lake, are to be protected.