Eco-park and sport fishing facilities at Chetpet lake
Posted on: 07/Jan/2016 9:50:32 AM
An eco-park and sport fishing facility are being set up at Chetpet lake. The works are on the go and about 70 percent of it is complete. The project is carried out at Rs 42 crore, approximate.
While there are many residents who welcome the move, there are a few who have contrary comments. They claim that the project will shrink the actual size of the lake. The water body is wide spread over 9 acres of land which belongs to 15-acre space that belongs fisheries department.
According to residents, the waterbody was earlier overgrown with vegetation. The water level here has been bothersome. The lake has been brimming with water ever since the state received inundated rain showers in November and December. The islands here are nearly invisible, having got submerged in water.
One of the residents in Chetpet said this project will be of great help for the lake, especially in saving a groundwater recharge source in Chennai.
The improvements here are taking place as a gradual process, says Pradip M Jogi of Nowroji street residents welfare associations. The works began a year ago and this has shrunk the size of lake. However, after it has got deepened, it contains more water. There are many people fishing here. Restoration effort need to be continued by the government.
Works to strengthen and deepen the lake are already completed by the fisheries department. Department officials say recreation centre, compound wall, multi-level car parking system, and so on are being carried out inside the premises. A track will be laid for walkers and joggers. There will be boat ride arrangements for visitors.
There will be a portion of the lake for sports for angling. At present, freshwater fish varieties like carp, tilapia, cutla and rohu are being bred here.
