Works connected with Chetpet lake restoration to commence soon
Chetpet Lake is one of Tamil Nadu
State Government’s ambitious Rs. 42-crore eco-restoration projects. Officials
of Chennai Corporation and Southern Railway participated in the first co-ordination committee meeting
held on Monday, projects that were discussed included the elevated link between
Chetpet railway station and the Eco park, infrastructure connecting Poonamallee
High Road with the park and a multi-level parking lot to accommodate 200 cars.
The park is being planned in a 15-acre area
adjoining the lake. The State government has given administrative sanction for
the restoration project. Others who participated were officials from of Chennai
Rivers Restoration Trust, Fisheries Department, Chennai Metropolitan
Development Authority and Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board.
Officials at the meeting suggested
that the eco- park be open until midnight to attract more people and make it a
hub of entertainment. The Eco restoration project aims to rejuvenate the 9-acre
water body. Also on the anvil is the development of a seafood restaurant,
joggers’ track, walkways, lighting, fountains and play area for children.
The work is expected to commence
shortly and the facilities are likely to be commissioned in 2015.The Tamil Nadu
Urban Infrastructure Finance Services has prepared a detailed project report
for the restoration of the water body that has been affected by illegal sewer
connections from residential neighborhoods.
The Chennai Corporation has also asked the Railways to permit construction of a box culvert beneath the tracks to connect the lake with Cooum River near Spur Tank Road as part of the project.
