Chennai: Madipakkam Lake, where rejuvenation works are on for almost a year, has got a new update in the form of a maintenance room.
Workers are currently constructing in room at the lake premises, close to Amma Unavagam present there as part of the Centre government’s smart city project which started a few months ago.
It is learnt that over Rs 1.25 crore has been allocated for rejuvenating waterbodies across the city. Residents of the area want authorities to use the funds to bring the lake back to its haydays, for there is a water crisis looming in the neighbourhood.
Using the funds, authorities desilted the lake, strengthened the bunds and are constructing the maintenance room.
Residents told News Today that they can’t wait for the developments to be completed. “We know about the rejuvenation works that have been happening at the lake. We are expecting a park to come up at the spot with all the equipment in the space near the government eatery. Since there were no proper statements released about the works on at the water body, every update seems to be a surprise for us,” they said.
People who live there say the lake is one of the major sources that help in replenishing groundwater level at Madipakkam, Puzhuthivakkam, Ullagaram and Nanganallur.
However, ever since the work began, the lake began to dry and with summer hitting its peak, there is almost no water present in it, they say.
“Due to this, visitors count is decreasing day by day. On the other hand, in a few areas around Erikkarai extension and Ponniyamman Kovil Street, borewells have gone dry too. If the situation persists, the whole area will face severe water crisis. I request authorities to add initiatives that would aid in solving the annual water crisis with the smart city plan,” said Ramamurthi, a resident.
Authorities were unavailable to comment on plans for the lake.