Minister inspects Ooty Lake

By Our Staff Reporter

UDHAGAMANDALAM, DEC. 26. The Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Mr. T. R. Baalu, today inspected the Ooty Lake in a bid to work out an action plan to rid the lake of the weed which has threatened to choke the popular tourist attraction.

Accompanied by the Minister for Youth Affairs and Pollution, Mr. Pongalur N. Palanisamy, the State Environment and Forest Secretary, Mr. Rajarathinam, the Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Ganeshan, the Collector of the Nilgiris, Ms. Supriya Sahu, and a large number of officials, Mr. Baalu went round the lake in a motor boat. He also inspected the treatment plant of the Restricted Sewage Scheme (RSS) implemented in Ooty with the objective of preventing further pollution of the lake.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Baalu assured that his Ministry would favourably consider a proposal submitted by the State Government to take up `Operation De-Weeding' at the lake through bio-remedial measures at an estimated cost of Rs 1.75 crores. The Minister said the problems related to the unchecked entry of sewage water into the lake through the main Kodappamund channel, running through the heart of the town, would be taken care of by the local municipality.

He said neither sewage nor drainage water from agricultural lands should be allowed to mix with the lake water.

Proposals to put up an electric crematorium at an estimated cost of Rs. one crore and public conveniences here would be cleared, he said.

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Section  : Southern States
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