Founder of “We The Leaders” K. Annamalai on Sunday urged the State government to get back the Periyathathampalayam lake from the Forest Department.Speaking at an awareness programme at Periyathathampalayam on retrieving the lake, he said the lake had been a groundwater source for many villages for long.
However, the State government handed over the waterbody to the Forest Department in 2001 without valid reasons. It did not carry out any activity in the lake for several years.The lake had been neglected for more than 20 years.
However, the department planted tree saplings of various varieties two years ago. Had it been with the State government, several works, including desilting, could have been undertaken.
Hence, the State government should lake the under its control.Mr. Annamalai said a mechanism could be put in place for 13 km for carrying surplus water to the Periyathathampalayam lake, spread over 54 hectares, from the Amaravathi river.
The water table along the alignment of the system, small ponds, and others could be recharged if it was implemented. The proposal might require ₹80 crore.
It could be carried out only if the lake was brought under the control of the State government from the Forest Department.He said his movement would continue to take up projects on redeveloping the water bodies. Published - October 25, 2026 10:28 pm IST