Villivakkam tank to soon become the next recreational spot

In May 2018, the civic body had commenced the desilting works and eyes the completion of desilting by May this year. “We have almost completed the desilting works while the construction of compound wall on the two sides are already completed. However, the construction of the compound wall on the other two sides have legal issues as we have to evict encroachers,” a Chennai Corporation official said.

The Villivakkam tank is maintained by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metrowater). The Chennai Corporation after restoration would hand over the tank to the Metrowater. Even though the lake is spread across 100 acres, the restoration work is ongoing in just 55,000 sqm. Metrowater has proposed a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the remaining portion.

Meanwhile, the civic body has saved nearly Rs 1 crore of the total funds allocated for initial works. This has prompted the officials to contemplate creating new facilities apart from the already planned children’s park, adult gym, walkers’ pathway, and open-air theatre. “Works for these facilities will start once the desilting works are completed.”

“With the saved money, discussions are on to build a rope bridge across the lake. Once the idea is accepted, the lake will have the city’s first rope bridge,” the official added.

Under the restoration project, the tank would be de-silted to increase the water holding capacity from 20,000 cum to 70,000 cum. In addition to recreational facilities, the civic body has also planned to install online sensors to monitor sewage entering the tank. “The sensors will evaluate real-time data on pollutants entering the tank. To mitigate the pollution, biofilters and floating wetland system will also be installed. We have sealed the sewage inlets before commencing desilting works,” the official said.