Mookaneri Lake: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by MPGuy2824
Last edited February 20, 2026
VisualWikitext
->MPGuy2824
→top: added alt and pushpin_map_alt
 
improved details and fixed typos for consistency
 
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox body of water
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Mookaneri Lake
| name               = Mookaneri Lake
| other_name = Kannankurichi Lake
| other_name         = Kannankurichi Lake
| image = [[File:Mookeneri(Kannakurichi) Lake.jpg|270px]]
| image             = [[File:Mookeneri(Kannakurichi) Lake.jpg|270px]]
| caption = Mookaneri Lake with the [[Shevaroy Hills]] in the background
| caption           = Mookaneri Lake with the [[Shevaroy Hills]] in the background
| alt = View of Mookaneri Lake with the Shevaroy Hills in the background
| alt               = View of Mookaneri Lake with the Shevaroy Hills in the background
| image_bathymetry =  
| image_bathymetry   =  
| caption_bathymetry =  
| caption_bathymetry =  
| pushpin_map=Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_map       = India Salem#India Tamil Nadu#India
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of the lake within Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_map_alt   = Location of the lake within Tamil Nadu
| location = [[Kannankurichi]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| location           = [[Kannankurichi]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| coords = {{Coord|11|41|11|N|78|10|45|E|display=inline,title}}
| coords             = {{Coord|11|41|11|N|78|10|45|E|display=inline,title}}
| type = [[Lake]]
| type               = [[Lake]]
| inflow =  
| inflow             =  
| outflow =  
| outflow           =  
| catchment =  
| catchment         =  
| basin_countries = India
| basin_countries   = India
| length =  
| length             =  
| width =  
| width             =  
| area = {{convert|23.5|ha|acres|abbr=on}}<ref name=acrman>{{cite news|last=Ananth|first =M.K|title=Pathways to man-made islands in Mookaneri Lake demolished|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Salem|pages= |language= |date=1 September 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/pathways-to-manmade-islands-in-mookaneri-lake-demolished/article5081428.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
| area               = {{convert|23.5|ha|acres|abbr=on}}<ref name=acrman>{{cite news|last=Ananth|first =M.K|title=Pathways to man-made islands in Mookaneri Lake demolished|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Salem|pages= |language= |date=1 September 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/pathways-to-manmade-islands-in-mookaneri-lake-demolished/article5081428.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
| depth =  
| depth             =  
| max-depth =  
| max-depth         =  
| volume =  
| volume             =  
| residence_time =  
| residence_time     =  
| shore =  
| shore             =  
| elevation =  
| elevation         =  
| islands = 47<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthahar Saqaf|first=Syed|title=A wedding on an island with a message|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=3 November 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-wedding-on-an-island-with-a-message/article19973958.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
| islands           = 47<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthahar Saqaf|first=Syed|title=A wedding on an island with a message|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=3 November 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-wedding-on-an-island-with-a-message/article19973958.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
| cities = Salem
| cities             = Salem
}}
}}


'''Mookaneri Lake,''' also called '''Kannankurichi Lake,''' is a lake in [[Kannankurichi]], in the [[Salem taluk]] of the [[Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], that covers an area of {{convert|23.5|ha|acre}}.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Lake bund found 'encroached upon'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=30 December 2015|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-bund-found-encroached-upon/article8020048.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> It is located to the south of the [[Shevaroy Hills]], and is a major water body of [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]. The lake is fed by rainfall from the surrounding area, including the hills surrounding [[Yercaud]], which flows into the lake via the Puthu Yeri and Kothukaran Odai streams.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Lake filling up|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=26 May 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-filling-up/article7885914.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Looks Like Ocean|newspaper= [[Dinakaran]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=Dinakaran|date=13 August 2018|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/District_Detail.asp?Nid=878799|accessdate=13 August 2018}}</ref>
'''Mookaneri Lake''', also called '''Kannankurichi Lake''', is a lake in [[Kannankurichi]], in the [[Salem taluk|Salem Taluk]] of the [[Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], that covers an area of {{convert|23.5|ha|acre}}.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Lake bund found 'encroached upon'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=30 December 2015|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-bund-found-encroached-upon/article8020048.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> It is located to the south of the [[Shevaroy Hills]] and is a major body of water in [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]. The lake is fed by rainfall, including the hills surrounding [[Yercaud]], which flow into the lake via the Puthu Yeri and Kothukaran Odai streams.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Lake filling up|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=26 May 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-filling-up/article7885914.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Mookaneri Looks Like Ocean|newspaper= [[Dinakaran]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=Dinakaran|date=13 August 2018|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/District_Detail.asp?Nid=878799|accessdate=13 August 2018}}</ref>


There are 47 man-made islands in the lake. Each island was created by excavating and piling lakebed clay about 10 feet high, and covers and area of a few thousand square feet.<ref name=acrman/> Initially, [[millet]] was planted on the islands to arrest erosion and help build a soil layer, before saplings of [[neem]], [[banyan]], [[Jambul|jambul]], [[Ficus religiosa|peepal]], and [[Chrysopogon zizanioides|vetiver]] trees could be planted.<ref>{{cite web|last= |first= |title=TN couple to get married on an island|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=[[The News Minute]]|date=18 October 2017|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/destination-wedding-green-style-tn-couple-get-married-island-groom-created-himself-70166|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> The lake islands were populated by nearly 12,000 trees as of 2013.<ref name=trees>{{cite news|last=Pankaja|first=Srinivasan|title=A lake comes to life|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=15 June 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/a-lake-comes-to-life/article4817432.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
There are 47 man-made islands in the lake. Each island was created by excavating and piling lakebed clay about 10 feet high, and covers an area of a few thousand square feet.<ref name=acrman/> Initially, [[millet]] was planted on the islands to arrest erosion and help build a soil layer before saplings of [[neem]], [[banyan]], [[jambul]], [[Ficus religiosa|peepal]], and [[Chrysopogon zizanioides|vetiver]] trees could be planted.<ref>{{cite web|last= |first= |title=TN couple to get married on an island|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=[[The News Minute]]|date=18 October 2017|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/destination-wedding-green-style-tn-couple-get-married-island-groom-created-himself-70166|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> The lake islands were populated by nearly 12,000 trees as of 2013.<ref name=trees>{{cite news|last=Pankaja|first=Srinivasan|title=A lake comes to life|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=15 June 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/a-lake-comes-to-life/article4817432.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Mookeneri lake islands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Islands of Mookaneri Lake]]
[[File:Mookeneri lake islands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Islands of Mookaneri Lake]]


==Restoration==
==Recreation==
The Mookaneri Lake in Salem was dying from sewage and garbage.<ref name="trees"/> Salem Citizen’s Forum, a collective of urban citizens resurrected the lake at an outlay of Rs. 87 lakh under the public initiative.<ref name=acrman/> The Forum began work at Mookaneri in 2010 May after many pleas to the district administration failed to evoke a response.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=Times of India|date=2 February 2013|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/How-a-Salem-citizens-body-led-the-fight-to-save-a-lake/articleshow/18298079.cms|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last= |first= |title=Back from the brink|magazine= |location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=12 July 2013|url=http://www.frontline.in/environment/back-from-the-brink/article4840745.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=Times of India|date=2 February 2013|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Missing-A-mass-movement-for-water-conservation/articleshow/48384454.cms|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Mookeneri lake salem.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Mookaneri Lake]]


==Fauna==
=== Bird Watching ===
[[File:Mookeneri lake salem.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Mookaneri Lake]]
Mookaneri Lake is a popular bird watching destination. The floating islands lush growth of trees help in providing shelter for the birds, like a birds’ sanctum, and their food needs are sufficed by waterholes or the lake. The most commonly sighted birds are Egrets and Kingfishers. Over 169 species of birds have been spotted at the lake. The [[Flamingo|Pink-feathered Flamingos]] are magnificent to watch. Apart from this, [[Garganey]], [[Northern pintail]], [[Grey Wagtail]], [[Common sandpiper]], [[Rosy starling]], [[Whiskered tern]], [[Baillon's crake]], [[Yellow bittern]], [[Paddyfield warbler]], [[Citrine wagtail]], [[Streak-throated swallow]], [[Brown-headed gull]], [[Painted stork]], [[Oriental darter]] and [[Black-headed gull]] are the migratory birds sighted in the lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kannankurichi (Mookaneri) Lake, Salem|work=ebird|url=https://ebird.org/india/hotspot/L2604129?yr=all&m&rank=mrec|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tamil.thehindu.com/general/environment/தேடி-வந்த-பூநாரைகள்/article6895505.ece|title=Painting the town pink!|publisher=The Hindu|date=14 February 2015|access-date=2 February 2018|language=Tamil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare birds sighted in Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=17 February 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rare-birds-sighted-in-salem/article8246543.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Rare migratory birds sighted at Kannankurichi Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=4 November 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare migratory birds sighted during Pongal bird count|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=22 January 2018|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-sighted-during-pongal-bird-count/article22488079.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> Bird watchers and naturalists in the city want to obtain sanctuary status for the lake.<ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare migratory birds spotted in Kannankurichi Lake in Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=4 November 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
Mookaneri lake is a popular bird watching destination. The floating islands in the lake area with lush growth of trees helps in providing shelter for the birds, like a birds’ sanctum and their food needs are sufficed by the waterhole or lake. The most commonly sighted birds are egret and kingfishers. Over 169 species of birds have been spotted in the lake. The [[Flamingo|Pink-feathered Flamingos]] are magnificent to watch. Apart from this [[Garganey]], [[Northern pintail]], [[Grey Wagtail]], [[Common sandpiper]], [[Rosy starling]], [[Whiskered tern]], [[Baillon's crake]], [[Yellow bittern]], [[Paddyfield warbler]], [[Citrine wagtail]], [[Streak-throated swallow]], [[Brown-headed gull]], [[Painted stork]], [[Oriental darter]] and [[Black-headed gull]] are the migratory birds sighted in the lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kannankurichi (Mookaneri) Lake, Salem|work=ebird|url=https://ebird.org/india/hotspot/L2604129?yr=all&m&rank=mrec|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tamil.thehindu.com/general/environment/தேடி-வந்த-பூநாரைகள்/article6895505.ece|title=Painting the town pink!|publisher=The Hindu|date=14 February 2015|access-date=2 February 2018|language=Tamil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare birds sighted in Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=17 February 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rare-birds-sighted-in-salem/article8246543.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Rare migratory birds sighted at Kannankurichi Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=4 November 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare migratory birds sighted during Pongal bird count|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=22 January 2018|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-sighted-during-pongal-bird-count/article22488079.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> Bird Watchers and naturalists in the city wants to obtain sanctuary status for the lake.<ref>{{cite news|last=Saravanan|first=S.P|title=Rare migratory birds spotted in Kannankurichi Lake in Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=4 November 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>


==Fishing==
=== Facilities ===
[[File:Mookaneri Lake with Coracle.jpg|thumb|A man riding a coracle and beautiful islands of lake]]
The park has a children's play area and mini auditorium set up in a natural environment, seating arrangements, flower pants on the bunds and walker's path along the lake. Coracles are available to visit the islands of the lake.<ref>{{cite news |last=Muthahar Saqaf |first=Syed |date=26 May 2016 |title=Mookaneri Lake, a major tourist attraction |language= |pages= |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |publisher=The Hindu |location=Salem |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece |accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=7 November 2015 |title=Salem's green warrior |language= |pages= |newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |publisher=livemint.com |location=Salem |url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/tZc3CAq1yJcXmRlnrKEh8O/Salems-green-warrior.html |accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
The lake was a source of [[groundwater recharge]] for the surrounding areas. the lake has a few varieties of fishes such as [[rohu]], [[catla]] kendai and kuruvai. Fishing is carried out by local fishermen and enthusiasts. The coracles of the fishermen is a part of the beautiful lake.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Once dry, now generates income|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=3 January 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Once-dry-now-generates-income/article13977590.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>


==Facilities==
=== Fishing ===
The park has a children’s play area and mini auditorium set up in a natural environment, seating arrangements, flower pants on the bunds and walker’s path along the lake. Coracles available to visit islands of lake.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthahar Saqaf|first=Syed|title=Mookaneri Lake, a major tourist attraction|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=26 May 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Salem's green warrior|newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=livemint.com|date=7 November 2015|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/tZc3CAq1yJcXmRlnrKEh8O/Salems-green-warrior.html|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Mookaneri Lake with Coracle.jpg|thumb|A [[coracle]] in the lake]]
The lake is a source of [[groundwater recharge]] for the surrounding areas. The lake has a few varieties of fish, such as [[rohu]], [[catla]] kendai and kuruvai. The local fisherman's boats are [[coracle]]s.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Once dry, now generates income|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=3 January 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Once-dry-now-generates-income/article13977590.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>


==Environmental concerns==
==Environmental concerns==
During Vinayaka Chaturthi every year there is a rampant pollution and damage caused to Mookaneri by the various organisations by immersing the idols.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Confusion over immersion of Vinakaya idols at Mookaneri Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=7 September 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Confusion-over-immersion-of-Vinakaya-idols-at-Mookaneri-Lake/article14625485.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Petition seeks study of pollution caused to lake water|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=2 September 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/petition-seeks-study-of-pollution-caused-to-lake-water/article19607737.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
During [[Ganesh Chaturthi|Vinayaka Chaturthi]] every year there is rampant pollution and damage caused to Mookaneri by the immersing of idols. The idols' toxic wastes can persist in water for ten years and spread from one body of water to another, harming rivers and lakes. The impact can endure up to 100 years when combined with other harmful substances.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Confusion over immersion of Vinakaya idols at Mookaneri Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=7 September 2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Confusion-over-immersion-of-Vinakaya-idols-at-Mookaneri-Lake/article14625485.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title=Petition seeks study of pollution caused to lake water|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|pages= |language= |publisher=The Hindu|date=2 September 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/petition-seeks-study-of-pollution-caused-to-lake-water/article19607737.ece|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Adverse Effects of Idol Immersion and How to Prevent Idol Pollution |url=https://www.india.com/lifestyle/adverse-effects-of-idol-immersion-and-how-to-prevent-idol-pollution-4942310/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}</ref> Salem Citizen's Forum, a collective of urban citizens resurrected the lake at an outlay of Rs. 87 Lakh under the public initiative.<ref name="acrman" /> The Forum began work at Mookaneri in May 2010 after many pleas to the district administration failed to evoke a response.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2 February 2013 |title=How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake |language= |pages= |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=Times of India |location=Salem |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/How-a-Salem-citizens-body-led-the-fight-to-save-a-lake/articleshow/18298079.cms |accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=12 July 2013 |title=Back from the brink |url=http://www.frontline.in/environment/back-from-the-brink/article4840745.ece |accessdate=2 February 2018 |publisher=The Hindu |pages= |language= |magazine= |location=Salem}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2 February 2013 |title=How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake |language= |pages= |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=Times of India |location=Salem |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Missing-A-mass-movement-for-water-conservation/articleshow/48384454.cms |accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 64: Line 63:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Lakes of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Lakes of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Salem, Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Salem, Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Salem district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Salem district]]

Latest revision as of 00:16, 20 February 2026

Mookaneri Lake
Kannankurichi Lake
Mookaneri Lake with the Shevaroy Hills in the background
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 501: Unable to find the specified location map definition: "Module:Location map/data/India Salem" does not exist.
LocationKannankurichi, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinates11°41′11″N 78°10′45″E / 11.68639°N 78.17917°E / 11.68639; 78.17917
TypeLake
Basin countriesIndia
Surface area23.5 ha (58 acres)[1]
Islands47[2]
SettlementsSalem

Mookaneri Lake, also called Kannankurichi Lake, is a lake in Kannankurichi, in the Salem Taluk of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, that covers an area of 23.5 hectares (58 acres).[3] It is located to the south of the Shevaroy Hills and is a major body of water in Salem. The lake is fed by rainfall, including the hills surrounding Yercaud, which flow into the lake via the Puthu Yeri and Kothukaran Odai streams.[4][5]

There are 47 man-made islands in the lake. Each island was created by excavating and piling lakebed clay about 10 feet high, and covers an area of a few thousand square feet.[1] Initially, millet was planted on the islands to arrest erosion and help build a soil layer before saplings of neem, banyan, jambul, peepal, and vetiver trees could be planted.[6] The lake islands were populated by nearly 12,000 trees as of 2013.[7]

Islands of Mookaneri Lake

Recreation[edit | edit source]

Mookaneri Lake

Bird Watching[edit | edit source]

Mookaneri Lake is a popular bird watching destination. The floating islands lush growth of trees help in providing shelter for the birds, like a birds’ sanctum, and their food needs are sufficed by waterholes or the lake. The most commonly sighted birds are Egrets and Kingfishers. Over 169 species of birds have been spotted at the lake. The Pink-feathered Flamingos are magnificent to watch. Apart from this, Garganey, Northern pintail, Grey Wagtail, Common sandpiper, Rosy starling, Whiskered tern, Baillon's crake, Yellow bittern, Paddyfield warbler, Citrine wagtail, Streak-throated swallow, Brown-headed gull, Painted stork, Oriental darter and Black-headed gull are the migratory birds sighted in the lake.[8][9][10][11][12] Bird watchers and naturalists in the city want to obtain sanctuary status for the lake.[13]

Facilities[edit | edit source]

The park has a children's play area and mini auditorium set up in a natural environment, seating arrangements, flower pants on the bunds and walker's path along the lake. Coracles are available to visit the islands of the lake.[14][15]

Fishing[edit | edit source]

A coracle in the lake

The lake is a source of groundwater recharge for the surrounding areas. The lake has a few varieties of fish, such as rohu, catla kendai and kuruvai. The local fisherman's boats are coracles.[16]

Environmental concerns[edit | edit source]

During Vinayaka Chaturthi every year there is rampant pollution and damage caused to Mookaneri by the immersing of idols. The idols' toxic wastes can persist in water for ten years and spread from one body of water to another, harming rivers and lakes. The impact can endure up to 100 years when combined with other harmful substances.[17][18][19] Salem Citizen's Forum, a collective of urban citizens resurrected the lake at an outlay of Rs. 87 Lakh under the public initiative.[1] The Forum began work at Mookaneri in May 2010 after many pleas to the district administration failed to evoke a response.[20][21][22]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Panorama View of Lake

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ananth, M.K (1 September 2013). "Pathways to man-made islands in Mookaneri Lake demolished". The Hindu. Salem. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  2. ↑ Muthahar Saqaf, Syed (3 November 2017). "A wedding on an island with a message". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  3. ↑ "Mookaneri Lake bund found 'encroached upon'". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  4. ↑ "Mookaneri Lake filling up". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  5. ↑ "Mookaneri Looks Like Ocean". Dinakaran. Salem: Dinakaran. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  6. ↑ "TN couple to get married on an island". Salem: The News Minute. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  7. ↑ Pankaja, Srinivasan (15 June 2013). "A lake comes to life". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  8. ↑ "Kannankurichi (Mookaneri) Lake, Salem". ebird. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  9. ↑ "Painting the town pink!" (in Tamil). The Hindu. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2018.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  10. ↑ Saravanan, S.P (17 February 2016). "Rare birds sighted in Salem". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  11. ↑ "Rare migratory birds sighted at Kannankurichi Lake". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 4 November 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  12. ↑ Saravanan, S.P (22 January 2018). "Rare migratory birds sighted during Pongal bird count". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  13. ↑ Saravanan, S.P (4 November 2016). "Rare migratory birds spotted in Kannankurichi Lake in Salem". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  14. ↑ Muthahar Saqaf, Syed (26 May 2016). "Mookaneri Lake, a major tourist attraction". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  15. ↑ "Salem's green warrior". Mint. Salem: livemint.com. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  16. ↑ "Once dry, now generates income". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 3 January 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "Confusion over immersion of Vinakaya idols at Mookaneri Lake". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "Petition seeks study of pollution caused to lake water". The Hindu. Salem: The Hindu. 2 September 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  19. ↑ "Adverse Effects of Idol Immersion and How to Prevent Idol Pollution". www.india.com. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  20. ↑ "How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake". The Times of India. Salem: Times of India. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  21. ↑ "Back from the brink". Salem: The Hindu. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  22. ↑ "How a Salem citizens' body led the fight to save a lake". The Times of India. Salem: Times of India. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mookaneri_Lake&oldid=458032"
Discover more