Mookaneri Lake, Salem
The
brimming picturesque Mookaneri Lake, a major water body, in Salem city has
become a main tourist attraction. The Public Works Department’s 39-acre water
spread, resurrected in 2010 by Salem Citizens Forum at an outlay of Rs. 87 lakh
under the public initiative, is now a sweet home to birds and flora of all
hues.
The lake
has turned into a tourists’ paradise, thanks to the presence of park, seating
arrangements, flower pants on the bunds and other basic amenities, apart from
parking lot for vehicles. The main advantage of this lake is its presence in
the city limits.
The
residents of Hasthampatti and a few other parts of the city can reach the lake
by walk. Hence, many families have been visiting this lake in the morning and
evening hours for spending their time without incurring any big expenditure.
The
presence of water in abundance in the lake has improved the ground water level
in the surrounding areas in a big way. Local fishermen are also involved in
fishing and a good number of people could be seen in the morning hours
particularly on Saturdays and Sundays for purchasing the same.
There is
also a mini auditorium set up in a natural environment. The local people feel
that private organisations or the Corporation could organize cultural
programmes like light music concerts, street plays etc. here in the evening
hours, particularly during the week ends.
Source
of Water for the Mookaneri Lake, a major water body of the district, has been due
to rainfall received in the Yercaud hill station. The rain water from the hills
will reach the Puthu Yeri. The surplus water of Puthu Yeri reached Mookaneri Lake
through the Kothukaran Odai.
