Coimbatore: The clean up drive at the 160-acres Agraharasamakulam, situated at Sarcarsamakulam taluk in Coimbatore, is witnessing more volunteers who are keen to clear the thousands of 'Seema Karuvelam' trees (Prosopis Juliflora) which was occupied the lake and its bund.
Members of various volunteer organisations, who have been involved in clearing Seemai Karuvelam trees from the local pond-- Agraharasamakulam for nearly six months are relieved, as the works are nearing completion.
Coimbatore: The clean up drive at the 160-acres Agraharasamakulam, situated at Sarcarsamakulam taluk in Coimbatore, is witnessing more volunteers who are keen to clear the thousands of 'Seema Karuvelam' trees (Prosopis Juliflora) which was occupied the lake and its bund.
Certified as a low maintenance tank by the Government, the initiative to clean up the lake took off on September 2 2020 with required permissions from Public Works Department (PWD) and the District Collector.
Recalling how the initiative started with just a handful of volunteers, Duraisamy, from AS Kulam Padhukappu Amaippu, said "Initially, only 20 members were part of the initiative The rejuvenation and cleaning drive of the lake started just six months back with the unrelenting support of various heads and volunteers of NGOs like Koushika Nadhigal, Selvaraj and others."
Supported by PWD, including local body groups and village people, the Seemai Karuvelam trees, of the 160 acres, the volunteers have thus far, cleared the invasive species tree from 120 acres using machines and disposed them for decomposition.
The initiative will help to save the water bodies and to preserve the existing native tree species, around the lake, say environmental activists.
It is told by the volunteers that planting native tress in place of these Seema Karuvelam trees is the plan Every weekend the volunteers continue to clean up the lake area, and so far piles of garbage including debris of the tree have been cleaned.
Mr.Duraisamy, an Agriculturalist from the region claimed that Agraharasamakulam lake will benefit people residing within 40 kms radius. Once the lake is filled, the filling surplus water will reach Koushika river. Importantly, as there are no industries within the vicinity of the lake, the water will be of good quality and can be used for agriculture and other purposes, he noted.
Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis Juliflora) is an invasive species which was brought to Tamil Nadu during 1870’s to overcome the shortage of firewood. It is spread over larger areas and has naturalised in arid and semi- arid regions. Lately, its spread across dams, rivers, agricultural lands has created an alarming situation to axe these trees down as it reduces ground water and hence proves to be a major threat to native species.