Perungalathur lake to be revamped

Officials are also planning to convert the lake into an eco-park and introduce boating. 

The lake was once 63.58 hectares, due to encroachment, the lake has shrunken to one-third of its size. Locals claimed that the lake was once used for drinking purpose and watering the farmlands, was left unmaintained and people began to dump garages in the water body. 

With the Tamil Nadu government deciding to remove the 628 buildings that have encroached the lake and give it a new look, residents claimed that if the project is executed well, it will boost the image of their neighbourhood. 

According to official sources, the revenue officials have planned to demolish the encroachments in two phases. “In the first phase 200 buildings will be demolished and on the second phase remaining 428 buildings will get demolished,” an official said. 

When contacted, a PWD additional engineer said that the lake will have a newer look within a year. “For now, we have given the tender and in October the work will get started. The government has allocated Rs. 9.5 crore for the project,” he said .