CHENNAI: Chennaites can soon enjoy boat rides in Korattur Lake and see two picturesque islands — the entire lake is undergoing a transformation under an eco-tourism project. The lake, which is currently a hotspot for fisherfolk and joggers, is likely to emerge as a tourism attraction by September this year, according to a Water Resources Department Official.
“Work has already started to de-silt the lake. Under the project, we plan to create two islands in the lake. The 680-acre waterbody will also have facilities like boating,” said the official. “We also plan to have a children’s park with tree cover, besides boat jetties for visitors to enjoy a boat ride to small islands.”
There are also plans for a walking track along the bunds of the lake. “Currently, we have completed 60% of the de-silting work. The project work started last month,” he added.
Initially, three water bodies were selected for eco-restoration — lakes in Korattur, Amabattur and Madhavaram. Korattur Lake, which earlier supplemented the city’s drinking water supply, had shrunk in size due to dumping of waste.
Also, sewage from Padi, Mannurpet, East Avenue of Korattur and Pattaravakkam was being released into the lake. JCBs were seen removing water hyacinth from the lake, which is choked with debris.
Residents in the nearby areas have welcomed the move to rejuvenate the lake. Civil Engineering professor at IIT Madras, S Mohan, told City Express, “Eco-tourism is a good concept as it will rejuvenate the water body and the eco-system as well.”
Former chief engineer of Water Resources department, Rajagopal, suggested the project be extended to other lakes in the State, particularly where urbanisation is taking place to protect the waterbodies. “But the onus lies on how well it is implemented,” he added.
Lakes Lure
Chetpet Lake in Chennai was transformed into an eco-park by the Fisheries department
Plans are on to promote eco-tourism in Ambattur and Madhavaram lakes
Puzhal, Poondi, Chembrambakkam are the main source of drinking water for Chennai
Lakes at Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud are tourist spots
Lakes at Vedanthangal and Pulicat are breeding sites for migratory birds
Factfile
39,202 Lakes in Tamil Nadu, under control of PWD and other governing local bodies
43 Out of 400 lakes in Chennai can be salvaged immediately, according to a consultant study
Rs 24 crore Released by the State government for rehabilitation and restoration of lakes and 19 wetlands