Residents and farmers of Uppiliyapuram block in Tiruchi district have urged the district administration and the Water Resources Department (WRD) to desilt and revive the 80-acre Maradi Lake, a vital water source for several villages.
According to Prathap Selvam, president of the Jamberi Water Users’ Association, Maradi Lake is one of five lakes in the region that receive water from Jamberi Lake — an important catchment fed by streams from the Kollimalai hills. The Jamberi Lake system plays a vital role in sustaining both irrigation and drinking water needs while also contributing to groundwater recharge in the region.
Maradi Lake is particularly significant for local irrigation and domestic use in panchayats such as Kottapalayam, Maradi, Okkarai, and parts of Uppiliyapuram block. The lake irrigates around 400 acres of farmland and serves as a primary drinking water source for thousands of residents.
“In 2017, around 20 acres of the lakebed were encroached, but with community support, those encroachments were cleared,” said Mr. Selvam. “Under the 2018 Kudimaramathu Scheme, the lake boundaries were demarcated and initial restoration work was undertaken.” However, residents allege that illegal sand extraction resumed in parts of the lakebed, reducing its water-holding capacity and shrinking green cover. “We used to spot several birds, including peacocks, around the lake. With the degradation of the habitat, they have now disappeared,” he said.
Groundwater contamination, sand smuggling, and the slow pace of intervention by authorities had caused concern among residents. Multiple complaints had been submitted to various departments. The residents have demanded that the illegal sand mining be stopped immediately, encroachments removed, and the lake restored to its original capacity.
An official from the Water Resources Department acknowledged receipt of the complaint and assured that an inspection would be carried out and appropriate action taken.