Chennai
The officials showed the draft restoration plan to the farmers and assured that the project would not affect the agriculture around the lake. However, farmers raised concerns that once the lake is converted into a recreational spot, there could be restrictions on using the water for farming and rearing cattle.
They also urged the Corporation to stop the project until the agriculture is followed in the area, and demanded an assurance of letting them use the lake water for farming.
“Agriculture will not be affected due to desilting of the lake and forming the bunds. Farmers can draw the lake water through the sluice gates; there will be no restrictions,” an official said at the meeting.
There are more than 1,000 farmer families from Kadapakkam, Kanniyampettai, Kamarajapuram, Andarkuppam, Kulakarai and other villages who are directly or indirectly dependent on Kadapakkam lake. Around 400 acres of land is irrigated by the water from the lake.
The Chennai Corporation has proposed a Rs 55 crore project to convert the lake into a recreational spot.
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