Restoration of ICF’s centuries-old lake begins

ICF’s General Manager S Mani said that the lake was in a bad condition, with sewage from the nearby non-railway colonies flowing into the water body, resulting in a foul stench. The lake measures 1,500x900 feet and is 24 feet deep. “We started the process by stopping the sewage discharge into the lake, with the help of the Corporation and provided an alternative means to the colonies.

Next, we took the water samples to test for quality and found it was in dire need of improvement.

We decided to revive the lake,” he said, adding that the engineering and electrical team had created a pathway around the lake. The improvement in water quality will rejuvenate the aquatic life and also attract migratory birds.

The project, which will be executed by JSP Consultants, is pegged at Rs 52 lakh. Four dredging machines will be deployed and the dredged material would be filtered, so that the water is released back into the lake. The dead trees around the lake will be dried, crushed and used as manure, while fresh water fish will be let into the lake. Mani also pointed out that a walking track is on the cards. “We are hoping to complete the works by December and will throw open the lake area not only to the residents of ICF, but also to the public,” he said, adding that there are more such eco-friendly initiatives in the pipeline.