Corpn fast-tracks encroachment eviction drive to beautify lakes

Coimbatore: Racing against time to complete the lake rejuvenation projects, the city corporation has fast-tracked the drive to evict encroachments along the waterbodies in its limits.
After removing seven small temples that were built encroaching the eastern bund of Muthannnakulam earlier this week, the civic body demolished about 76 houses close to Krishnampathy lake on Thursday.
The houses at Gokulam Colony at Pappanaickenputhur were there for years and the demolition exercise was launched after allotting alternative housing to the residents in tenements built by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board.
However, the residents resisted the move and demanded they be allowed to stay there. Officials held multiple rounds of talks, but in vain. Eventually, the officials disconnected the power supply and went ahead with the demolition, despite the people’s objection.
Corporation officials said the houses were built more than five decades ago, blocking a tributary channel to the lake.
Ever since the beautification of lakes was included in the Smart City project, the civic body has been clearing encroachments in all the eight lakes in the city.
Some of the residents had approached courts, seeking a bar on the demolition, but the courts had issued verdicts in favour of removing encroachments. The rejuvenation and beautification of Krishnampathy lake is being implemented at a cost of Rs 19. 36 crore. As part of the beautification process, cycle tracks, walkers’ plaza, viewing area and sitting space would be created around the lake. The civic body has plans to set up waste water treatment plants at all the lakes to treat sewerage before letting that into the lakes.
The lakes would be desilted, and bunds would be strengthened as part of the project.