Coimbatore Corporation ordered to stop operation of motorised boats in Ukkadam tank

The Madras High Court, in a recent order, directed the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) to stop operation of motorised boats in Periyakulam (Ukkadam Big Tank) for recreational purposes.

“We are of the view that the continued use of motorised boats operated by petrol engines will certainly cause serious adverse impact on the aquatic life of the lake. In view of the ecological significance of the lake and the presence of a large number of resident and migratory bird species, we direct that the use of motorised boats shall be stopped forthwith. Instead of motorised boats, the Corporation may provide ordinary pedal boats for recreational purposes,” said the order issued by a special Division Bench, comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and K. Rajasekar, on September 18.

The Bench cited a report submitted by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, which stated that 183 bird species, comprising 126 resident species and 57 migratory species, have been recorded at Ukkadam tank. Of these, eight species are classified as globally threatened, including two species classified as vulnerable, namely Curlew Sandpiper and River Tern, and six species classified as near threatened, the order said.

With regard to the floating solar panel at Periyakulam, the court was informed that the installation covers an extent of 300 sq.m. as against the overall tank area of approximately 14,14,000 sq.m. The Additional Advocate General submitted before the court that there will be no further expansion of the solar plant in the said area.

The court also directed the Corporation to ensure complete removal of water hyacinth from the tank and take necessary steps to prevent its recurrence.