Sun Jun 29 12:37:41 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Salem Corporation in India is undertaking efforts to revitalize Panamarathupatti Lake, a historical water source that has been neglected for 25 years. The corporation is clearing vegetation, planting saplings, and seeking funding from the Union government to transform the lake into a tourist attraction. They are awaiting approval of a previously submitted state proposal and hoping to secure additional financial assistance to fully realize their redevelopment plans.
**News Article:**
**Salem Corporation Aims to Revitalize Historic Panamarathupatti Lake, Seeks Federal Funding**
**Salem, June 29, 2025** – The Salem Corporation has launched a major initiative to rejuvenate Panamarathupatti Lake, a once-vital water source for the city. Workers are currently clearing 55 acres of overgrown vegetation surrounding the lake, with plans to plant 55,000 saplings in the coming weeks.
Built in 1911, the 2,137-acre lake served as the primary drinking water source for Salem. However, due to encroachment and other issues, it has been disconnected from its natural water sources for the past 25 years.
The Corporation hopes to transform the lake into a popular tourist destination. A previous proposal for a comprehensive ₹230 crore redevelopment project has been submitted to the State government and is currently pending.
In the meantime, the Corporation is pursuing a separate strategy, focusing on creating a green space around the lake. They are seeking ₹25 crore in special assistance from the Union government under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investments (SASCI) scheme.
“The clearing work and planting of saplings will be completed within a month,” stated a Salem Corporation official. “If the Union government approves our proposal, we will receive ₹25 crore in assistance, which will allow us to redevelop the lake into a major tourist spot.”
The effort to revitalize Panamarathupatti Lake represents a significant step towards both environmental restoration and tourism development in the Salem region.
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