WRD removes a portion of encroached structures in Kovilpadagai lake that's earmarked to be developed as drinking water source
In line with its efforts to rejuvenate urban water bodies, the Water Resources Department has started clearing encroachments in Kovilpadagai lake near Avadi. It is one of the key water bodies in city fringes that has been earmarked to be developed as a drinking water source particularly for Avadi.
The department cleared nearly 16 encroached structures and 15 other sites that were fenced in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar and Brindavan Nagar. Officials of the WRD noted that the structures that had freshly encroached the lake area were razed down during the drive carried out with the Revenue department officials.
Land measuring nearly 25,000 sq.ft. that belonged to the lake was retrieved during the drive, said officials. The lake has more encroached structures to be cleared. Spread over 415 acre, the Kovilpadagai lake has a larger storage capacity than Retteri, a lake in western part of the city that is being spruced up as a drinking water source for Chennai. Officials of the WRD said the water body near Avadi has a capacity to hold storage of nearly 80.52 million cubic feet of water.
The department proposes to deepen the lake's surplus course to link excess water to Red Hills reservoir through a Rs.38.30 lakh project. The inadequate carrying capacity of the surplus course posed a flood threat to 15 residential localities, including Platinum Avenue, Ramakrishna Nagar and Trinity Avenue.
Once the project is completed, the areas may have a respite from recurring floods. The lake, which used to be irrigation source for about 500 acre of land, may be filled twice a year, officials said.
Residents noted that it was imperative to rejuvenate long –neglected water bodies in city fringes to replenish groundwater and reduce urban floods. T.Sadagopan, a resident of Pattabiram, said many other lakes, including Ayapakkam and Tiruninravur were awaiting restoration. Avadi is still waiting for piped water supply. The State government must create a special fund to restore lakes as drinking water sources.
Avadi Municipal Corporation Mayor G. Udayakumar said a Rs. 40 crore project to convert Kovilpadagai lake into a drinking water source for Avadi has been submitted to Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited. A water treatment plant would also be constructed apart from measures to arrest sewage. Tenders would be called for soon.
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