T’puram: Repeated delays in finalising project tender is affecting the rejuvenation of Akkulam Lake, which is in a deteriorating state. The lake, once a popular recreational hub in the capital city, is heavily infested with water hyacinth and invasive weeds, raising environmental and public health concerns.Rejuvenation project, estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 5 crore, is being implemented by WAPCOS Ltd. But, despite floating two tenders, the agency has not been able to finalise a contractor as it failed to select the lowest bidder.Project aims to undertake urgent restoration measures, including removal of water hyacinth, desilting of critical stretches, repair of damaged walkways and fencing, and reopening of basic amenities to make the lake at least partially functional.Amid official inaction, a group of young volunteers attempted to clean parts of the lake on Sunday as part of the second edition of Swachh Sagar initiative led by India International Movement to the United Nations (IIMUN). However, their efforts were largely symbolic due to the scale of the problem.“We came here with the intention of making a difference, but the extent of pollution and spread of water hyacinth are overwhelming. Without institutional support and proper machinery, it is nearly impossible to restore the lake,” said Kshitij Baviskar, a volunteer with IIMUN. Swachh Sagar campaign, which mobilises students and local communities across India to clean and protect waterbodies, saw participation from several students and locals. Meanwhile, officials associated with the project acknowledged the delay but attributed it to procedural hurdles.Green activists pointed out that unchecked growth of water hyacinth not only chokes lake but also depletes oxygen levels, affecting aquatic life and leading to foul odour and mosquito breeding.
