Urban Lake Restoration and Tourism Development: A Study on Coimbatore city under the Smart Cities Mission

Abstract

Urban lakes play a critical role in ecological balance, water resources management, and recreational life in cities. Coimbatore, an emerging urban centre in Tamil Nadu, India, possesses a historically rich network of lakes that are undergoing rejuvenation and redevelopment under the Smart Cities Mission — a flagship urban renewal programme launched by the Government of India. Urban lakes, beyond their ecological functions, serve as significant sites for recreational and nature-based tourism. These lakes offer significant yet underutilized potentials for lake tourism — a segment of nature-based and recreational tourism that combines ecological conservation with socio-economic development. Periyakulam and Valankulam Lakes have strong potential to emerge as model urban lake tourism destinations in Tamil Nadu. With integrated planning, effective management, and sustainable tourism practices, these restored lakes can contribute significantly to urban recreation, local economy, and environmental conservation in Coimbatore city. The study synthesizes how lake restoration has contributed to tourism development, urban recreation, environmental sustainability, and public well-being. By analyzing policy frameworks, project implementation, visitor responses, tourism dynamics, and sustainability challenges, this research sheds light on the successes and limitations of transforming urban waterbodies into tourism and public spaces.