600 structures razed, three lakes to be beautified by March: WRD

An official from the Water Resources Department (WRD) said, “We organised an eviction drive to remove illegal buildings which were built encroaching the Ambattur, Madhavaram and Korattur lakes. During this drive, we even removed three-storey structures, temples, mosques and churches.”

“We are yet to remove around 190 illegal structures more, which will be done before the end of next month. We have issued notices to the owners of these structures. After providing a considerable time, all the structures will be removed in a phased manner,” the official added. The project commenced in 2014 at an estimated cost of Rs 59 crore. Under this project, the lake bunds were strengthened and walkways laid to attract tourists.

In addition, two bird nesting sites were created neat Madhavaram and Korattur lakes. A third one is pending in Madhavaram, which will be completed soon. On Madhavaram lake, a weir was installed to prevent repeated inundations during the rainy season.

“We are also laying concrete blocks to prevent gully erosion at these lakes. It is pending in Ambattur and Madhavaram lakes. Also, paving of walkways is yet to be completed at Madhavaram,” an official said.

Benches and plantation of trees will be undertaken as part of this project at all these sites. During the first phase of the project, the PWD removed hyacinths and deepened the three lakes at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. In the second and third phases, a bird nesting arrangement was erected at a cost of Rs 26 crore and the entry of sewage was plugged from further aggravating woes of water pollution.

“This will be completed by March 2019. We will resume after December 15 and complete the works in a full swing,” an in-charge of the project said.