Work to restore Villivakkam lake begins

Taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore, 24.64 acres of the 36.50-acre lake will be restored by the Greater Chennai Corporation under its Smart City initiative.

The remaining area will be taken up for setting up a sewage pumping station of Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB). 

Speaking at the event to launch the work, Velumani said, “Villivakkam Lake is an important water source for Sidco Nagar residents. Restoring this lake will turn it into a major resource and increase groundwater levels.” He added that the municipal body is also in the process to restore 32 other waterbodies.

The eco-restoration of the 24.64 acre will be taken up at a cost of Rs 9.25 crore while a compound wall running across 1.6km will be constructed for Rs. 6.75 crore. 

With the restoration, the authorities intend to create a community space around the waterbody – with the inclusion of a skating rink, entrance plaza, open air theatre, Aavin booth, refreshment centres, tunnel, maze, infinity walk, kids play outdoor gym, walking pathway, landscaping and a parking area. There will also be a new road laid along the TVS canal.

The Corporation is planning to plug the sewage inflow into the lake, before strengthening the lake-bund with the rip rap technique, a method commonly used to protect soil from erosion. Here, layers of extremely large stones are interlocked to act as a barrier on the slopes where there is a concentrated flow.

The eco-restoration procedure will include the installation of bio-filters, floating wetland system and online sensors to monitor the quality of water in the lake. Features such as drinking water facility, setting up e-toilet systems, benches and LED lighting will be included.

The depth of the lake is only a metre now, but the Corporation plans to increase the depth to 3-5 metres, to increase the holding capacity of the lake.