Chennai: The State government has selected several waterbodies in South Chennai, Kovalam stretch and Adambakkam Lake is one among them, for desilting and deepening process.
In a recent development, officials from several government agencies like Public Works Department (PWD), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) among others inspected the Adambakkam Lake along with the German funding agency – KfW Development Bank. It is learnt that the visit was arranged as part of German team’s request to inspect the site.
It has given fresh hopes for residents of rejuvenating the lake and quench the thirst at least for the residents. To get an idea of on ground activities, residents and associations from Adambakkam were invited to be a part and Federation of Adambakkam Welfare Associations (FAWA) was one among them.
Speaking to News Today about it, PWD Assistant Executive Engineer, Radhakrishnan, said, “The German team has consented to implement the comprehensive water conservation plans in the city.
We will be deepening the selected lakes for storing water. The project includes encroachment eviction and restoration of lake to the full extent. The GCC and PWD officials will inspect and ensure that sewage is not mixed with the fresh water in the lakes. To facilitate the same, the sewage inlet flowing into the lake will be diverted and the illegal activity will be stopped.”
Corporation officials and CMWSSB has promised to stop sewage in-flow and has included awareness components as part of the project.
As part of the same project, the official stated that bio-remediation and conservation of water will be executed. “On observation, we found out that the water channel of Veerangal Odai is not aligned with Adambakkam Lake, which will be done to prevent flooding during monsoon,” he added.
According to him, the project will be funded with least interest amount or for free of cost. “Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated to complete the project in all the water bodies in south Chennai.”
Asked about when the project would be kickstarted, Radhakrishnan added, “It will at least take three months’ time to get stabilised as the city is reeling under acute water crisis. The detailed project report (DPR) has been submitted and cleared for approval. Once begun, the work will get over in 1.5 years.”
“Any project should be conceived, designed and executed properly, considering the long-time necessities, including crisis management to avoid such a situation in the future. It is a long-term flood-mitigation, conservation project,” he added.
“Had not the encroachment been removed by the MLA back then in 2008, the lake would have been teeming with illegal occupants. The federation has been conscious since then to keep the encroachments at bay. It is imperative that demarcation and desilting is done before the onset of monsoon to ensure the rainwater is not let off to the sea,” commented FAWA president Augustine David.
He further stated that the Corporation levies a fine of Rs 5,000 if people are found dumping garbage in the waterbody.