COIMBATORE: The prolonged mixing up of sewage water into a Periyakulam (Big tank) at Ukkadam is a cause of concern. Large number of fishermen who depend on the big tank for fishing are worried that their livelihood would be affected if the civic body continued to delay setting up of a effluent treatment plant. The fishermen also said that the fish population will come down due to the pollution.
According to the source, over 90 fishermen are depending on the Ukkadam tank for their livelihood for generations and they have no other source of income other than fishing.
Bala Murugan, vice-president, Coimbatore Circle Fisherman Cooperative Society, told Express that the city corporation was spoiling the tank by releasing untreated sewage water into the tank.
"Even though the members had on numerous occasions requested the civic body officials to set up an effluent treatment plant, nothing has been done," they said.
"We are getting Rs 200 to Rs 500 on a daily basis by catching fish in the lake. However, we fear that the regular income would be affected every day. The situation has not bad now, but there is a high chance that the situation can turn alarming," said Bala Murugan.
These plants spreading like a mat on the lake and degrades water quality by blocking the photosynthesis which generally reduces the oxygen level in the water. This also changed the colour of the lake, creating a foul smell in the water. Due to this, fish in the lake are in danger of dying.
He also said that from our association, we planned to drop some quantity of lime stones and other mix to clear the water of green algae.
According to sources, sewage from factories in Chetty Street and sewage water from nearby residences are discharged into tank, which are the major pollutants of the tank. Mohammed Saleem, president, Environment Conservation Group, said that until something is done to prevent the mix of sewage water into the tank, we cannot prevent the growing of water hyacinth and green algae.
He also said it will effect the fish in the lake and Coimbatore big tank will no more home for migratory birds.