Why is this lake near Chennai making news now?
Posted on: 11/Mar/2022 9:36:40 AM
In Chengalpet, fifty kilometres from Chennai is present Kolavai Lake. The rejuvenation of this lake has been delayed as the TN government has not allotted any funds and this is making news now.
It was revealed by a senior officer belonging to WRD that an amount of Rs 55 crores was provided as funds by the previous government for rejuvenating this lake. In January 2021, WRD started preliminary work to remove sludge in the foreshore of the lake. Truth is that WRD received just Rs 5 crores out of total Rs 55 crores.
The official spoke about how the amount was just enough to carry out a small work in the lake. He then added that WRD had plans to restore the lake and set up recreational facilities like park etc near the bund be de-silting and deepening the water body to increase the storage capacity. This would in turn increase the tourist footfall. It must be taken into account that a couple of boat jetties and a pedestrian bridge were panned by WRD. Once rejuvenation gets over, then this lake would serve as a source of drinking water for suburbs.
To restore the lake, the flow of sewage must be stopped and this was according to another WRD official. There are 6 major sewage outfalls belonging to the lake and the local body made efforts to develop an underground drainage system in Chengapet. Approval from the southern railways is awaited now. It is now believed that the government would allot funds for the lake rejuvenation project in the upcoming financial year.
