Tourists stay off Chetpet eco-park as water level recedes

Officials from Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation (TNFDC) — who maintain the park — said the recent spate of rainfall was insufficient to fill the lake. Hence, they have asked the Corporation to supply water to the lake so that the boating activities continue unhindered.

According to sources, when the lake was brimming with water, the park used to attract around 600 visitors a day. But now, around 150 people visit the park daily.

Of the 15 boats that are available for rent, only a couple of them get hired nowadays, said an official from TNFDC.

Also, it is not just the decreasing lake water level that is affecting the footfall; last year cyclone Vardah too wreaked havoc on the park and uprooted several trees, said the official.

An administrative staff of TNFDC admitted that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) used to supply

water to the lake through a pipeline. The supply was, however, stopped recently which led to the drop in the water level. “We have not approached GCC officials for water because of the ongoing water crisis in the city.

We hope that a good spell of rainfall will salvage the situation,” said the official, not wishing to be named.

Meanwhile, visitors have urged officials to look for alternatives to maintain inflow

of water into the lake. “When the eco-park was opened last year, people used to throng it and visitors used to queue up for boating. But I hardly see one or two boats being used these days,” said K Manimaran, a techie, who frequently visits the eco-park.

A senior official from TNFD said, “We are trying to take up maintenance works for the park and the water issue will be resolved in a couple of months, as North-East monsoon may provide some relief.”