Salem: Once scenic, Yercaud lake now stinks with untreated sewage being let out into it by nearby hotels. The lake has also turned green, with layers of algae floating on the water.
While residents living along the lake complain about foul smells emanating from the lake, tourists avoid boat rides in the lake because of the smell.
“Even big hotels let off sewage water into the lake instead of releasing it into the drainage,” M Samipillai, one of the residents, said.
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) maintains the boat house and operates boats in the lake, spanning nearly seven acres.
When contacted by TOI, senior manager of the TTDC, Yercaud, A Dinesh Kumar said the lake’s colour has turned green because of the spread of algae.
He said the sewage inflow into the lake was high. But, there is no water being discharged from the lake. He said the green colour of the water would change once boats start operating in the lake.
Kumar also said they have roped in a private company for removing the water hyacinth from the lake. “They will clean it twice a month, and TTDC has been spending nearly Rs 35,000 per month for it,” he added.
The TTDC official said that the local body has been taking steps to set up a sewage treatment plant to treat sewage water before it is released into the lake. “The issue would be resolved once the plant is set up,” he added.
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While residents living along the lake complain about foul smells emanating from the lake, tourists avoid boat rides in the lake because of the smell.
“Even big hotels let off sewage water into the lake instead of releasing it into the drainage,” M Samipillai, one of the residents, said.
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) maintains the boat house and operates boats in the lake, spanning nearly seven acres.
When contacted by TOI, senior manager of the TTDC, Yercaud, A Dinesh Kumar said the lake’s colour has turned green because of the spread of algae.
He said the sewage inflow into the lake was high. But, there is no water being discharged from the lake. He said the green colour of the water would change once boats start operating in the lake.
Kumar also said they have roped in a private company for removing the water hyacinth from the lake. “They will clean it twice a month, and TTDC has been spending nearly Rs 35,000 per month for it,” he added.
The TTDC official said that the local body has been taking steps to set up a sewage treatment plant to treat sewage water before it is released into the lake. “The issue would be resolved once the plant is set up,” he added.
We also published the following articles recently
NDMA flags 13 ‘potentially dangerous’ glacial lakes
The NDMA committee identified 13 “potentially dangerous” glacial lakes in Uttarakhand due to glacier retreat. Experts reported expansion of Vasudhara Lake near Gangotri glacier. The disaster management department, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, and Indian Space Research Organisation monitor the lakes.
The NDMA committee identified 13 “potentially dangerous” glacial lakes in Uttarakhand due to glacier retreat. Experts reported expansion of Vasudhara Lake near Gangotri glacier. The disaster management department, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, and Indian Space Research Organisation monitor the lakes.