Now Reading: Salem lake revival stalls as contractor exits, fresh tender planned
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Salem lake revival stalls as contractor exits, fresh tender planned
Work to revive Salem's dying Panamarathupatti Lake has come to a halt after the contractor's tender period expired. Though some sections were cleared earlier this year, thick invasive vegetation and encroachments still…
The Story in Brief
Work to revive Salem's dying Panamarathupatti Lake has come to a halt after the contractor's tender period expired. Though some sections were cleared earlier this year, thick invasive vegetation and encroachments still cover large areas, reducing the lake's storage capacity and blocking water channels. Activists have urged the Salem City Municipal Corporation to restart clearing and draw up a comprehensive restoration plan. Corporation officials said a fresh tender is being prepared, with removal of Seemai Karuvelam trees as the immediate priority. They will also examine a long-standing proposal to bring surplus Mettur water into the lake.
The Indian Opinion
Some critics blame the corporation for inaction, but the record shows a tender was issued in February and the contractor withdrew only after the contract ended. The real test is whether the fresh tender leads to sustained clearing and a deeper feasibility study on pumping Mettur water. Without a clear timeline and budget, the lake risks another cycle of stop-start work. Can the corporation award the new contract within a month and commit to a full lakebed assessment?
Source: nationalheraldindia.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
