DINDIGUL: Star Lake, a prominent tourist spot within the Kodaikanal municipality, has remained unmaintained for the past six months, triggering concern among local residents and visitors. Locals alleged that the lake is clogged with dead leaves, while the water near the banks has turned dark and appears unclean.
Former president of the Kodaikanal traders association, A Ravi, stressed the need for periodic cleaning of the water body. He said, "The lake is fed by water from two marshlands located behind the hill. Over time, mud and silt have accumulated in the lake, and the soil level has gradually risen, giving the water a muddy and unclean appearance. The accumulation of solid materials has also led to water stagnation. Floating dead leaves further worsen the situation, making cleaning an urgent necessity. However, no action has been taken in the past few months."
Speaking to TNIE, Arumugam, a villager, expressed disappointment over the lack of maintenance. He said Star Lake is among the prominent attractions in Kodaikanal and pointed out that it is an artificial lake developed in 1863 under the initiative of Sir Vere Henry Levinge, former collector of Madurai, who transformed vacant land into a scenic waterbody. Initially part of the Vipatti Panchayat, the lake was later brought under the jurisdiction of the Kodaikanal Municipality.
“Though cleaning works were carried out regularly in the past, no maintenance has been done for the last six months,” Arumugam said. He added that while the pathway around the lake continues to look picturesque, visitors peering into the water are likely to be dismayed by the green and brown layers of dead leaves and algae floating on the surface.
Officials of the Kodaikanal municipality acknowledged the issue and assured that steps would be taken soon. Municipality Chairman P. Chelladurai told TNIE that the problem would be resolved within a few days. “We give utmost importance to the lake as it is a major attraction for tourists. The sanitary staff were engaged in other activities within the municipal limits. A team will be deployed to clean the water channels and the banks near the lake, and the work will be completed within a few days,” he said.