Chennai: The state, which has been silent over the status of its dying water bodies in greater Chennai, is all set to kick start a massive lakes restoration project under which the pollution and inflow of fresh water into 24 water bodies will be addressed. Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services has floated tenders and consultants would soon study the topography, ecological factors and the hydrology flow of water connecting these neglected large lakes and small ponds.
“Most of these lakes serve as a major cause for flooding in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur district and there are proposals to convert these water bodies in to drinking water sources. The restoration of water bodies also include massive plantation of indigenous trees,” said K. Sathyagopal, Commissioner of Disaster Management. According to TNUIFSL sources, eight large water bodies including Ramapuram lake, Madipakkam village pond, Madipakkam lake, Kolathur pond, Vannan kuttai near Jaladiampettai, Pallikaranai, Puludivakkam Lake and Pudhuchery keni are to restored.
Similarly 16 small water bodies including Chitteri, Uthukulam, near Medavakkam, PTC quarters pond, Chinnakeni kulam near Karapakkam, Odaikeni kulam, Sappathi kuttai, Karumanchavadi kulam, Udayar Palayam Nagar (Kalaivanar Nagar Pond) and J J Nagar lake. The consultant will study the existing water bodies and its connectivity with reference to the topographical maps, satellite imagery, revenue records, town survey registers and also examine the scope to enhance the catchment area.
As part of the study the past and present storage capacity of lakes and their rainfall intensities will be ascertained. “Chennai metro water augmented the fresh water source of drinking water by linking Porur and Sikkarayapuram and now by again linking these lakes another one TMC of water can be easily sourced by Chennai Metro water board,” a senior metro water official said. Further small lakes located along IT corridor can be easily cleansed and the stored water will crucial during summer, the official opined adding that the project was a long pending due.
