TN farmers seek Mettur surplus water to revive Salem’s Panamarathupatti lake

Salem, Aug 9 (IANS) Farmers and water conservation activists have stepped up demands for the restoration of the sprawling Panamarathupatti Lake near Salem in Tamil Nadu, seeking diversion of surplus water from the Mettur system and removal of invasive Seemai Karuvelam trees that have taken over large parts of the waterbody.

Spread across nearly 2,140 acres and surrounded by hills on three sides, Panamarathupatti Lake was once an important drinking water source for Salem city and Rasipuram. However, the lake has remained without substantial water for nearly two decades, affecting groundwater availability and agriculture in surrounding areas.

Farmers said the waterbody plays an important ecological and hydrological role as it is connected to several smaller lakes and water channels in the region. Its restoration could benefit nearly 10 villages while improving groundwater recharge and agricultural prospects.

They have urged the authorities to examine the feasibility of bringing surplus Cauvery water from the Mettur system to Panamarathupatti.

Farmers pointed to the existing surplus-water project involving pumping from the Poolampatti region and said its network and alignment could be studied to determine whether water could be diverted to the lake.

Restoration efforts, they said, should begin with the removal of Seemai Karuvelam trees and encroachments obstructing natural channels feeding the lake.

The condition of the lake bed should also be assessed to improve its capacity to retain water. Water conservation activists said clearing operations were initiated in portions of the lake earlier this year but stopped after the contractor’s tender period expired.

Though some areas were cleared, extensive growth of invasive vegetation continues to occupy the lake bed, reducing storage capacity and disrupting natural inflows. They have urged the Salem City Municipal Corporation, which controls the lake, to restart the clearing operation and prepare a comprehensive restoration programme.

Since the lake is located at a relatively elevated level, pumping water into the waterbody could also be examined as part of the plan.

Corporation officials said restoration work had been undertaken through a tender from February before the contractor withdrew following expiry of the contract period. The civic body is now preparing to float a fresh tender.

Officials said removal of Seemai Karuvelam would be the immediate priority. The long-standing proposal to bring Mettur surplus water would be examined as restoration progresses.

Farmers believe reviving the lake could significantly strengthen groundwater resources and improve irrigation prospects across the surrounding villages.

–IANS

aal/dpb