Tamil Nadu - Erode   

Water plants hit fish population in tank

R. Sundaram

GREEN COVER: Water plants in Gani Rowthar Tank on Chitode Main Road in Erode. — PHOTO: M. GOVARTHAN

ERODE: "The Periya Semur Grade Three municipality is incurring heavy loss due to the growth of water plants in Gani Rowthar Tank. If it is cleared and the tank is cleaned, the municipality will get good revenue," said K. Chandran of the area.

Talking to the The Hindu on Friday, he said LPG seepage water and rainwater flows to the tank located on a 14-acre site. Now the tank is almost full.

Sewage

The textile bleaching and dyeing factories and other industries in nearby areas are letting their effluents into the drains, which reach the tank. Sewage from municipal areas also mix with tank water.

Earlier, the tank had a huge fish population and the municipality leased the tank to private parties for catching fish after collecting a nominal amount.

Though Chandran had secured the contract last year, he could not catch a single fish. "The thick growth of water plants covering the entire tank prevented people from scanning the water for fish," Mr. Chandran said.

Contamination

Due to water contamination and growth of water plants, the fish population was affected and some weeks ago, fishes worth about Rs. 1 lakh were found dead floating. Of this, only 50 per cent was removed and the other half remain in the tank.

Percolation

Because of water plants, the tank water could not be used for any other purpose and if it is not cleaned, soon the tank will become dry. The nearby wells will also not get enough water for percolation, he said.

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