Concerns raised over more developmental activities at Coimbatore’s Ukkadam big tank

Concerns raised by nature enthusiasts over the impact of floating solar panels on biodiversity at Ukkadam tank in Coimbatore.

With another developmental project being introduced by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) in the form of floating solar panels on an area of 50 cents at the Ukkadam big tank (Periyakulam), nature enthusiasts raise concern over degradation of biodiversity of the water body.

According to them, the floating solar panel unit, which is implemented at a cost of ₹1.45 crore with an aim to generate 154kW of electricity per day, will further make the tank a less preferred habitat for the avifauna.

Albert Rajendran, former professor, Department of Zoology at St. John’s College, Palayamkottai, said that the floating solar panels in vast areas will reduce the sunlight penetration into the water. This will reduce photosynthesis, reducing phytoplanktons and plants underneath.

It will eventually lead to an increase in carbon dioxide and decomposition of water, causing the death of aquatic plants and reducing crustacean and other invertebrates, which are a source of food for fishes.

As per a checklist of birding platform eBird, a total of 186 species of birds, including resident and migratory ones, have been recorded at Ukkadam tank over the years.

However, according to bird watchers, bird activity in the tank significantly reduced over the past few years due to various constructions around the tank, including a park and walking track, and launch of entertainment activities such as speed-boating, Jetskiing, kayaking, zip line and zip cycle among others.

“Ukkadam tank is a biodiversity-rich waterbody with a checklist of 186 birds. The biodiversity of the tank should be taken into consideration while carrying out developmental activities,” said P.R. Selvaraj, president of the Coimbatore Nature Society.