Renovated Valankulam, Periyakulam lakes to open for public from March

Coimbatore: The city corporation is planning to open parts of Valankulam and Periyakulam lakes, which are being beautified under the smart city mission, for public from March.
The civic body had proposed to beautify the bunds of the lakes under the ‘quick-win’ projects category. Restoration works are being carried out along the Perur Bypass side of Periyakulam lake at a cost of Rs 39.74 crore. Beautification of walkers’ plaza along Valankulam lake is done at a cost of24.31 crore and works are undergoing beneath the Valankulam flyover at a cost of Rs 23.83 crore. The works were flagged off in July 2018.
After floating decks were installed on the lakes and the bunds were decorated, people have been thronging the places. Commuters stop vehicles near the lakes to click pictures even though they are not allowed to access the premises as work is still going on.
A senior corporation official said that each project has about 450 components including floating decks, gardens, birdwatching towers, fountains, shade structures, bicycle tracks, benches, lamps and container restaurants. “As it is the first time beautification works are being carried out along lake bunds, it took the contractors more time to complete the work. They have planted 40 types of native plants along the lakes,” he told TOI.
Municipal administration minister SP Velumani had conducted a review meeting a few days ago, the official said. “The minister directed the contractors to speed up the work to complete it before March. Over 70% of the construction work, especially installation of important components, have been completed.”
Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is expected to throw the spaces open for recreation and relaxation to thousands of residents in March, the official added.