Chennai: Paruthipattu lake in Avadi has been restored and renovated with modern facilities including provisions for boating and is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami 17 June, according to sources.
Renovated at Rs 28 crore after efforts from Minister K Pandiarajan, residents of the area were expecting the lake to be opened soon after works got completed by March.
The 22-hectare lake that can hold 21.5 mc ft, water is one of the biggest waterbodies in the neighbourhood. During monsoon, the lake receives water from Vilinjiyambakkam lake, also in Avadi, and subsequently feeds several other small waterbodies.
According to sources, work was started in 2016 by the State government’s Public Works Department (PWD) to transform it into an eco-park, like Chetpet lake, and the first phase saw Rs 7.16 crore spent while phase-2 saw Rs 21 crore shelled out.
During the first phase, the authorities strengthened the bunds, repaired shutters and canals and set up provisions for creating a bird sanctuary.
The second phase saw a compound wall erected, walkers’ path laid, inflow canal repaired, a park, gym, open air auditorium and a playground come at the spot.
But the biggest thing was creating the boat house. Work got completed by 31 March and sources state that it will be opened Monday by the Chief Minister.
Says Dharani, a resident of Avadi, “Ever since work got completed, we residents were waiting for it to be opened for public use. We had to wait for nearly three months now; however, when it opens, it will attract a huge crowd.”
He says being one of the biggest waterbodies in the area, the lake will serve as a great attraction. “The perimeter is over 2-km-long. People who like to walk now have a proper spot for that. There is a children’s park, too, and a playground. During weekends, I expect this place to teem with residents of the area,” he said.
“Once it is open, small shops will swarm the place and make good business. However, it would also mean that garbage generation will be more. While people should understand the importance of cleanliness and not throw garbage inside the premises, authorities should ensure that large bins are kept outside the lake and small ones inside,” said Mukilan, a student.
Environmentalists stated that if the authorities want the lake to be a hotspot for birds, human attraction must be reduced. “If they start boating here, birds may well not pick the spot for breeding. It must be seen how officials manage things here in the long run,” they said.
The lake, once opened, will attract many a resident and prove to be a place for them to unwind and relax.