The seven-year struggle to restore and rejuvenate Adambakkam Lake is finally beginning to pay off.
The Public Works’ Department (PWD) has taken efforts to mark the boundaries along the Inner Ring Road bridge and is soon learnt to kick-start the deepening and desilting process.
Severe encroachments have led the lake to lose its original state and has reduced to narrow stretches from 86-acres.
Speaking about the move, a PWD Engineer in-charge said, “Officials have been roped in to measure the borders of the lake. The district collectorate is insisting on evicting the encroachers along the lake and the active restoration work will begin only when the illegal occupants are shifted.”
Until further direction, the authorities are constructing a bund to ensure people do not encroach once again. “In the first phase, around 130 odd hutments were evacuated and we are rebuilding the embanks. There are 630 more houses and eviction would happen over course of time in phases,” added the official.
The department plans to create a walkway with fencing and lighting facilities after formation of new bunds. Alandur MLA T M Anbarasan who pushed the officials for lake restoration has promised of contributing to the beautification process. “I plan to release a sum of Rs 50 lakh for the same from the MLA fund,” he stated.
In an attempt to generate revenue, the residential associations have requested the officials to bring boating facility in the lake that could attract visitors.
Several members of Federation of Adambakkam Welfare Associations and Federation of Nanganallur Residents’ Welfare Association have welcomed and lauded the move.