The nature trail at Singanallur lake on Sunday became a unique walk for participants as local historian C.R. Elangovan unfolded to them the history of lakes in Coimbatore.
According to Mr. Elangovan, the history of lakes in Coimbatore dates back to the 10th century when the region witnessed an increase in migration of people and livelihood shifted from cattle rearing to agriculture.
“Kongu Cholas, Mysore rulers, Vijayanagara empire, and Madurai Naickers maintained the lakes over the period.
There are epigraphical evidences of systems followed by the Kongu Cholas for the maintenance of these lakes that are linked to rivers through canals. But the waterbodies did not get prominence during the British rule and the situation continued in the post-independence era,” said Mr. Elangovan.
He pointed that the lakes were very important to the lives of the population in the region before urbanisation as they largely depended on agriculture.
“The nature trail was an eye opener as it helped participants to know the historical background of lakes in Coimbatore. Such knowledge will help the public to understand the need of protecting these water bodies,” said K. Saravana Kumar, one of the participants.
C. Kunhikannan, Scientist, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, briefed the participants on medicinal plants in urban wetlands at the nature trail held on November 4.
Jointly conducted by Coimbatore Corporation and Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation and Education, the one-km nature trail for public is held on first and third Sunday of every month led by various experts in various fields.
For registrations contact organisers at 95858-88583.