Environmentalists in Coimbatore are advocating for geotagging and unique identification numbers for waterbodies to ensure their protection and prevent them from losing their original purpose. They believe this system would help track the history, demographics, and ongoing development projects of each waterbody while making relevant data publicly accessible online.
A pilot study on this initiative was launched two years ago by R. Manikandan, founder of Kovai Kulangal Pathukapu Amaipu, in a specific taluk. However, due to funding and manpower challenges, the project was put on hold. According to him, assigning unique identification numbers—similar to Aadhaar—would make tracking and managing waterbodies more effective by incorporating spatial data and monitoring ongoing conservation efforts.
On the other hand, J. Sathish, trustee of Siruthuli, supports geotagging while emphasizing the importance of retaining the original names of waterbodies. He believes names carry historical and cultural significance, which should not be replaced by numbers.
This initiative aligns with the Union Government’s Smart City project and Catch the Rain campaign under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Environmentalists are now pushing for the district administration’s support to restart the pilot study and implement it citywide. However, experts acknowledge that such projects are time-intensive and costly, requiring substantial government backing for successful execution.
