Retteri lake, one of the large waterbodies in north Chennai, presents a picture of neglect as it awaits funds for the resumption of a restoration project.
Spread over 400 acres, the lake has water even in these days of drought and is a source of groundwater recharge for the neighbourhood. However, with the work to improve the lake yet to resume, a portion of the waterbody is covered with thick vegetation.
Residents of Retteri and Vinayagapuram welcomed the initiative to restore the lake and turn it into an eco-tourism spot. But, they complained that it was not carried out in a consistent manner, leading to damage to the footpath and deterioration of the waterbody.
B. Murugan, a resident of Lakshmipuram, said the lake was a haven for several migratory birds. However, encroachments had started coming up and the authorities concerned needed to take measures to keep the waterbody clear of encroachments, he added.
People also complained about sewage being released near Vinayagapuram and polluting the water body. P.Arunachalam, a resident of the locality, said the mud flats built in the middle of the lake also needed to be restored. There had been no proper maintenance of the waterbodies in Retteri and Korattur, he said, adding that it was important to plug the sewage outfalls as part of the restoration projects.
Sources in the Water Resources Department said work was expected to start in a month to restore the Retteri, Korattur and Ambattur lakes. Concrete lining would be provided on the bund and desilting work taken up, they said.
“Nearly ₹13 crore has been sought from Environment and Forests Department, which is funding the project. “We have been continuously clearing weeds from the waterbody and will initiate steps to clean the water hyacinth,” said an official. Measures are being taken to clear about 200 encroached structures identified near Retteri, sources said.
Spread over 400 acres, the lake has water even in these days of drought and is a source of groundwater recharge for the neighbourhood. However, with the work to improve the lake yet to resume, a portion of the waterbody is covered with thick vegetation.
Residents of Retteri and Vinayagapuram welcomed the initiative to restore the lake and turn it into an eco-tourism spot. But, they complained that it was not carried out in a consistent manner, leading to damage to the footpath and deterioration of the waterbody.
B. Murugan, a resident of Lakshmipuram, said the lake was a haven for several migratory birds. However, encroachments had started coming up and the authorities concerned needed to take measures to keep the waterbody clear of encroachments, he added.
People also complained about sewage being released near Vinayagapuram and polluting the water body. P.Arunachalam, a resident of the locality, said the mud flats built in the middle of the lake also needed to be restored. There had been no proper maintenance of the waterbodies in Retteri and Korattur, he said, adding that it was important to plug the sewage outfalls as part of the restoration projects.
Sources in the Water Resources Department said work was expected to start in a month to restore the Retteri, Korattur and Ambattur lakes. Concrete lining would be provided on the bund and desilting work taken up, they said.
“Nearly ₹13 crore has been sought from Environment and Forests Department, which is funding the project. “We have been continuously clearing weeds from the waterbody and will initiate steps to clean the water hyacinth,” said an official. Measures are being taken to clear about 200 encroached structures identified near Retteri, sources said.