Chennai: Continuing the stride of announcing eco friendly projects for Tamil Nadu, Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa announced on Tuesday, the restoration of Parithipattu lake in suburban Avadi at a cost of Rs 28 crore.
Making a suo moto statement in the Assembly, Ms Jayalalithaa clarified that the sprawling water body over 87 .06 acres will be cleared of encroachments and its bunds strengthened.
Like the other lake restoration projects taken by the state, this project will also help to improve the ground water table and ensure that the lake receives fresh water through its storm water collection inlets. The quality of water in the lake will be improved and mud structures raised in it to raise trees that shelter birds.
It may be noted that last week, Ms Jayalalithaa also announced a new solar-powered aquarium and a virtual reality centre for the recently renovated Chetpet lake at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore.
Public and environmentalists welcome move: The announcement of the restoration of Parithipattu lake has brought cheer to residents of western Ambattur and Avadi. Ecologists and civic activists also demand a massive restoration programme for water bodies located in the western suburbs including Ayanambakkam, Madhavaram and Ambattur.
This is a welcome project and the state should announce similar projects for other tanks in Tiruvallur district, said S. Thirunavukkarasu, general secretary, Neer Exnora. If Parithipattu lake is restored, it will be an instant hit among residents of Ambattur, Annanur and Avadi, said C. L. Sridhar, a resident of Annanur car shed complex.
Western Chennai, which has water bodies in Tiruvallur district, has a lot of water storage potential and it is high time that water bodies are renovated and interlinked. If the Manimangalam tank in south Chennai is desilted and renovated it can cater to the growing water supply demand of Tambaram municipality. The state should also come out with an action plan for Retteri near Kolathur, said Mr. Thirunavukkarasu, who is also a retired PWD engineer.
“Protection of water bodies is good news for bird watchers and government should also rope in biologists and foresters for the restoration project to ensure that ecological significance is not lost during the restoration process,” opined K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust.
