Coimbatore's Perur Periyakulam Lake Faces Growing Threat from Illegal Activities
In a concerning development for environmental conservation efforts, the Perur Periyakulam lake in Coimbatore is reportedly becoming a hotspot for drug addicts and drunkards, according to local volunteers and activists. The warning comes after disturbing discoveries during routine restoration work at the water body.
Discovery of Drug Paraphernalia and Alcohol Consumption
During their 428th week of fieldwork this Sunday, February 8, volunteers from the Kulangal Pathukappu Amaippu made alarming findings in a densely wooded area of the lake. They uncovered items including a weighing scale and a modified water can fitted with a pipe, which strongly indicate drug use activities. Additionally, empty bottles were found abandoned at the site, suggesting strangers had been consuming substances there.
The volunteers also reported encountering drunkards consuming liquor on the lake's bunds. Based on this information, personnel from the Perur police station promptly visited the location and seized the weighing scale, pharmaceutical receipts, and various bottles as evidence.
Volunteers Express Frustration Over Security Breaches
Despite fencing installed around the lake perimeter, volunteers allege that miscreants regularly break through barricades during nighttime hours to illegally enter the premises for drug and alcohol consumption. They further pointed out that liquor bottles and plastic waste are being dumped along the bund, causing additional environmental damage to the already vulnerable ecosystem.
R Manikandan, coordinator of the Kulangal Pathukappu Amaippu, emphasized the need for coordinated action. "Police should work in coordination with the panchayat to prevent further degradation of the lake," he stated. Manikandan specifically highlighted the presence of a Tasmac liquor outlet near Perur Periyakulam as contributing to illegal nighttime entries for alcohol consumption.
Concerns Over Proliferation of Liquor Outlets Near Water Bodies
Referring to the recent opening of another liquor outlet near Sengulam, Manikandan expressed deep concern about the increasing number of liquor shops being established near water bodies. "This not only affects the lake's ecosystem but also poses a serious threat to the social environment," he explained. The coordinator urged the government to remove liquor outlets located in proximity to water bodies to protect both ecological and community health.
Police Response and Investigation
When contacted, Perur police officials confirmed they would be taking steps to intensify surveillance around the lake premises to prevent trespassing and alcohol consumption. They added that investigations are currently underway to determine whether the seized materials are indeed linked to drug use. Authorities have initiated inquiries based on suspicion against certain individuals in the local area.
Background of the Lake and Restoration Efforts
Perur Periyakulam, spanning 265 acres, serves as a crucial water source for several lakes within Coimbatore corporation limits. The lake, which falls under the control of the public works department, had previously suffered severe ecological degradation before restoration efforts began.
In 2017, the volunteer group Kulangal Pathukappu Amaippu initiated comprehensive restoration works at the lake. Their efforts have included:
- Cleaning the inlet channels of the lake
- Desilting the lake basin
- Removing invasive shrubs as part of conservation initiatives
- Planting approximately 8,000 saplings along the bund
- Erecting fencing around the lake to protect and improve its ecosystem
Volunteers have remained consistently involved in ongoing conservation activities, including planting palm seeds along the lake bunds, clearing plastic waste, and sensitizing school and college students about environmental protection. The recent discoveries of illegal activities represent a significant setback to these dedicated restoration efforts.
