COIMBATORE: The public works department (PWD) is likely to de-silt 11 tributaries of Noyyal river, one feeder canal , 23 supply channels and more than 20 lakes in Coimbatore, ahead of summer. With the state facing a drought situation and the city facing a huge water crisis , the PWD has sent the list of water bodies to be de-silted, seeking Rs4.7crore from the state government.The PWD approaches the government for funds to de-silt the lakes every year. With the entire state being declared as drought-hit, and with the state expected to get funds from the Centre, officials are hopeful. While NGOs and youngsters are cleaning up the lakes, the de-silting work has to be carried out by the government using heavy machinery. "NGOs cannot de-silt lakes.

Source: Times of India February 28, 2017 19:30 UTC