Akkulam Lake Restoration Project Hits Another Roadblock
The much-anticipated rejuvenation of Akkulam Lake in Thiruvananthapuram has encountered another significant delay. The implementing agency, Wapcos Ltd, has failed to attract qualified bidders for a scaled-down restoration contract that was floated earlier this month. This development pushes the already long-delayed initiative further behind schedule.
Failed Tender and Revised Timeline
Wapcos Ltd, a central public sector enterprise operating under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, had invited e-tenders in early February for immediate, low-cost intervention works at the lake. The estimated cost for these works ranged between Rs 3 crore and Rs 5 crore. However, none of the bids received met the necessary technical and financial qualifications required to execute the project within this budget.
The proposed contract was designed to address urgent concerns at the lake, including:
- Removal of water hyacinth and other invasive weeds
- Desilting of critical stretches
- Repair of damaged walkways and fencing
- Reopening of basic public amenities
These measures were intended to make the lake at least partially functional after years of neglect. However, contractors who participated in the bidding process informed Wapcos that the proposed cost was inadequate to carry out the envisaged works. They cited rising operational and material expenses as major deterrents.
Official Response and Next Steps
A senior Wapcos official acknowledged the difficulty, stating: "The latest tender did not draw qualified bidders, primarily due to the low cost estimate, which makes it difficult to execute the work effectively. We are revising the tender conditions and will invite fresh bids in early March to ensure viable participation."
Fresh bids are now scheduled to be opened in the first week of March, following revisions to the tender conditions. This setback adds to mounting concerns over the lake project, which was originally conceived as a comprehensive restoration initiative with significantly higher funding and broader ecological goals.
Historical Context and Environmental Concerns
Earlier proposals for the lake's restoration, including one estimated at over Rs 90 crore, were delayed or shelved due to funding constraints, technical concerns, and lack of contractor interest. The current scaled-down approach represents a significant reduction in both scope and budget from these original plans.
Environmental activists have repeatedly warned that the lake's deterioration, driven by pollution, encroachment, and invasive vegetation, not only disrupts its ecological balance but also heightens urban flooding risks. They argue that piecemeal, low-budget interventions are unlikely to deliver lasting results unless integrated into a long-term, sustainable restoration strategy.
The continued delays in implementing even basic restoration measures have raised questions about the viability of the current approach and the long-term prospects for one of Thiruvananthapuram's most important water bodies.
