Perungalathur Lake in final stages of restoration

S Vasantharaja, project coordinator of Wetland Restoration project, Care Earth Trust, which started working on the eco-restoration of the lake last July, said that they first removed the water hyacinth choking the waterbody and other invasive species on the bund. 

“We removed a hundred varieties of invasive species on the bund, before strengthening it. Native species were planted along the bund and the residents on the northern and southern sides have been caring for it,” he said. The restoration of the 19.5 acres of the lake is almost complete, but the last leg of the project is turning 

out to be the biggest challenge. 

“There is sewage and grey water inflow from the nearby houses into the lake. We are working with the Panchayat officials to plug these leaks and ensure that the lake water is clean. In fact, we have put up eight nets around these pipelines, to ensure that garbage doesn’t end up in the lake. We have created awareness among the local communities, who are now enthusiastic about the project. Once restored, the lake can be a vital drinking water source for the locality,” added Vasantharaja. 

The team collected water samples from the lake for checking the water quality. 

“The sample collected from the middle of the lake showed 50% pollution, while the sample from the lake’s starting point had 70% of pollution indicators,” said the project coordinator. V Parvathy, a resident who lives near the lake, is thrilled to see the waterbody returning to life. “After the removal of water hyacinth and other restoration works, the lake is pretty to look at,” she added.