Rs 50 crore grant for eco-restoration of Kadapakkam lake

The water body that spread over 130 acres will get the facilities similar to that coming up at Villivakkam lake.

“Kadapakkam lake is bigger than the one in Villivakkam. We intend to develop the lake with similar facilities but the final decision will be based on the detailed project report,” a Chennai Corporation official said.

Meanwhile, the civic body has already invited private consultancies to prepare the DPR for the lake.

Explaining the present state of the lake, the official said that it is filled with silt and water is stored wherever the amount of silt is lesser.

“The plan is to desilt the lake and ensure maximum water storage. We will also ensure the inflow of rainwater to the lake by connecting stormwater drains and clearing inflow channels,” he added.

The eco-restoration of Kadapakkam lake is a part of integrated stormwater drain project which is being funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The stormwater drain project is being implemented on the Kosasthalaiyar Basin, that comprises of zones such as Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram and Ambattur.

“As the Kadapakkam lake is situated in the Kosasthalaiyar basin, the Asian Development Bank has come forward to provide a grant of Rs 50 crore, the amount that the civic body need to be repaid,” the official said.

It may be noted that the ADB has sanctioned Rs 2,518 crore as loan to the civic body to construct stormwater drains in the basin.

Meanwhile, works of children’s park, adult gym, walkers’ pathway, Aavin parlour, multipurpose lawn and open-air theatre and other works are underway in Villivakkam lake. Also, the civic body has also started a tender process to construct a suspension bridge over the lake.