Smart City funds spent, but lakes remain dirty

Coimbatore: Just months after they were opened to the public, five lakes that were rejuvenated and beautified at a cost of Rs 217.06 crore from the Smart Cities Mission, have lost their charm due to lack of maintenance.
Former city corporation commissioner P Kumaravel Pandian had hurriedly inaugurated a part of Ukkadam Periyakulam, Valankulam, Selvachinthamni lake, and Selvampathy and Kumarasamy lakes on February 26, hours before the model code of conduct was imposed for the assembly election.
TOI found thriving weeds threatening to take over the landscape on Periyakulam bund. Water hyacinths have clogged up the floating jetty, where the corporation had planned to launch a boat service. As garbage bins are conspicuously absent, visitors throw waste along the bund. As only two of the gates are open, people were found jumping over the railing.
Unscrupulous elements were seen at the Valankulam lake, which was closed months ago to carry out maintenance. They jump over the railing to enter the place and were found taking a dip in the lake. No security personnel were present to stop such people. The place turns into a den of illegal activities at night.
The renovated lakes were closed after Covid-19 cases spiked in the district and were reopened recently.