Why in news?
The Madras High Court recently refused to lift a temporary ban on boating at Pykara Lake near Ooty. Judges said boating cannot resume until the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation completes soil and water tests and confirms that the activity will not harm the fragile environment.
Background
Pykara Lake is an artificial reservoir on the Pykara River about 20 km from Ooty in the Nilgiris. The river rises on the slopes of Mukurthi Peak in the Western Ghats and the lake was created when the Pykara Dam was built as part of one of South India’s oldest hydro‑electric projects. Visitors come to enjoy boat rides on the placid waters and to see the nearby Pykara Falls, where the river cascades in two steps. The lake and its surrounding shola forests lie close to Mukurthi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why is boating restricted?
- The High Court ordered the tourism authority to conduct soil and water tests after environmentalists warned that motorboats were churning up sediment and disturbing wildlife. Judges emphasised that protection of nature must take precedence over recreation.
- Electric boats were proposed to reduce pollution, but the court noted that essential components had been delayed due to global supply disruptions. Until the electric fleet is ready and safety tests are complete, the ban will remain.
- The case illustrates the tension between tourism revenue and conservation in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Pykara’s catchment supports unique flora and fauna, and unregulated boating could harm fish breeding and water quality.
Key facts about Pykara
- The Pykara hydroelectric plant, commissioned in the 1930s, is among the oldest power stations in South India. Its three powerhouses together produce about 60 MW of electricity.
- Pykara Falls and Lake are popular tourist stops on the Ooty‑Mysore road. The twin waterfalls tumble down over 55 metres in two stages.
- The surrounding forests harbour tigers, leopards and several endemic species. Mukurthi National Park forms part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage site.
Source: New Indian Express
