Calls for restoration of lakes in Chennai gained momentum after the Chennai floods of 2015, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives.
Published Nov 28, 2024 | 12:51 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 28, 2024 | 12:51 PM
Kadapakkam Lake
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is spearheading a major restoration project to revive the Kadapakkam Lake near Manali in North Chennai, a key water body that has been neglected and encroached upon for years.
Once a vital source of water and irrigation for surrounding villages, the lake is now set to undergo significant improvements under the Kadapakkam Lake Redevelopment Project. Officials aim to transform the lake into an eco-park at the cost of Rs. 58.33 crore, set to be the largest such park in North Chennai.
Located in Ward 16 of Manali Mandal, Kadapakkam Lake spans 135 acres and is a crucial part of the local ecosystem. Despite shrinking from its original size of 149 acres due to encroachments, the lake has immense potential to become the largest ecological park in Chennai.
The restoration works, funded by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Global Environmental Facility (GEF) grant, will involve deepening, widening, and strengthening the banks of the lake, according to the GCC. These efforts are expected to increase its water storage capacity from 1.1 million cubic meters to 2.2 million cubic meters, significantly improving flood mitigation in the Kosasthalaiyar basin.
The restoration plan aims to transform the Kadapakkam Lake into a bustling eco-park. The park will feature recreational amenities including a butterfly park, a walking trail, fishing spots, two bird islands, an artificial fountain, a play area for children, and a public seating area for relaxation.
Additionally, a parking lot will be developed to encourage tourism and generate revenue. To ensure that the lake isn’t encroached on after restoration and to prevent waste dumping, GCC plans on installing fences around the lake.
Calls for restoration of lakes in the city and encroachment removal drives gained momentum after the Chennai floods of 2015, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives while displacing about 18 lakh people in the regions surrounding Tamil Nadu’s capital city and Cuddalore.
Since the nightmarish deluge wreaked havoc in Chennai and nearby regions almost a decade ago, experts have been urging concerned authorities to remove encroachments on the lakes and restore them to be better equipped to face such calamities in the future.
A biodiversity survey conducted in December 2020 revealed that the lake is not polluted by sewage. The survey found 124 species of flowers, 12 species of fish, 30 species of butterflies, 46 species of birds, and various other species, including the Spot-billed Pelican. The restoration project aims to improve the lake’s ecological value, turning it into an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife.
An aerial view of the Kadapakkam Lake
Once the Kadapakkam Lake becomes water surplus, the water will be taken to the river through canals, where a sluice will be constructed to discharge water for agricultural use.
The eco-park Kadapakkam will cater to the recreational needs of North Chennai, which has fewer places for tourism compared to the southern and central parts of Chennai.
The corporation expects to generate revenue from parking lots and recreational facilities.
While the restoration project has garnered enthusiasm for its potential to revitalize the lake, not everyone is pleased with the plan.
Speaking to South First about it, a resident of Manali’s Kanniammanpettai village, T Raja expressed concerns about how the restoring and subsequent eco-park will affect the local agriculture.
“Farmers from many nearby villages rely on water from Kadapakkam Lake for irrigation. If the lake is turned into a tourist destination, what happens when there is shortage of water for irrigation?” he asked.
Besides, he believes that tourist destination would result to surge in visitors, which could apparently lead to increased crime and noise, impacting the peace in surrounding villages.
Officials inspecting the Kadapakkam Lake ahead of the renovation project.
On the contrary, social activist M. Kamalakannan from Manali supports the project. Pointing at the importance of restoring the lake and removing encroachments, he emphasised to South First that Kadapakkam Lake’s original purpose was to support agriculture.
He pointed out that “neglect has made Kadapakkam lake a dumping ground for agricultural waste, washing vehicles and even open defecation.”
The social activist lauded the restoration poject as it would improve Manali’s tourism prospects and spoke about the need for a eco-park of this magnitude in North Chennai. Additionally, he also called for the restoration of the nearby Sadaiyan Kuppam Lake.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran assured that the restoration works on Kadapakkam Lake were on track.
“The biodiversity survey has been completed, and studies related to the foundation of the water body are underway. The work, including renovations, walkways, and beautification, will begin soon. We aim to complete the entire project within a year, and open for public use,” he shared with South First.
He expressed confidence that, once completed, the eco-park in the Kadapakkam Lake will not only boost local tourism but also serve as a crucial component in flood management and environmental conservation for North Chennai, an area that has long been under-served in terms of recreational facilities.
(Edited by Neena)
