Chennai
“The works would come to an end this week. However, it will be opened to the public only after the elections are over,” said an official from the WRD. After lying neglected for long, the lake has now been turned into a space for recreation, with a 3-km-long walking track around it. Spread across 22 acres, the facility would be the only recreational space available for the residents of the western suburbs. After its condition improved, the space had become popular among the residents of Avadi, who began frequenting it for their morning and evening walks.
“Till now, the residents were forced to travel to the city or neighbouring districts for recreation. This development will reduce the pollution in the waterbody. I hope the authorities and the public would maintain the lake well for reaping the long-term benefits,” said R Raveendran, a local resident.
The Rs 28 crore project would accommodate play area for children, seating arrangement around the lake and a walking track.The lake was deepened to augment the storage capacity, and also recharge the groundwater table in the surrounding areas.
“We have planted over 30 varieties of saplings in the park. Birds have already started visiting the two mudflats created in the lake bed. The facility will accommodate a central plaza, refreshment block and boat deck facilities,” said an official.
Although the works are in the last stage, the WRD is yet to remove the encroachments at some of the places including Periyar Nagar.
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