Chennai’s efforts to address the recurring flooding in Old Pallavaram during monsoons are set to receive a significant boost with the restoration of the 10.45-acre Putheri Lake.
This lake, which forms part of the chain of lakes along the 200-feet Radial Road, will undergo comprehensive restoration work aimed at improving drainage and water management, thereby alleviating flooding concerns. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has set aside a budget of 3.4 crore for this restoration project, which is expected to bring much-needed relief to the neighbourhoods of Pallavaram. The Tamil Nadu government had first assured the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2021 that the lake would be restored, but it is only now that the restoration work has been set in motion. The delay in the commencement of the project has drawn criticism, particularly from local activists who feel that much more could have been done earlier. According to a CMDA official, the restoration project will focus on desilting the lake, strengthening the bunds, and removing the water hyacinth that has plagued the waterbody for years. Additionally, the inlet and outlet structures will be revamped to ensure better water flow, making the lake more resilient to monsoon rains.
The Putheri Lake has long suffered from pollution caused by sewage and solid waste. The inflow of sewage from the nearby Pallavaram Periya Eri, along with solid waste dumped by the erstwhile Pallavaram Municipality, further exacerbated the pollution problem. However, since the area has come under the jurisdiction of the Tambaram Corporation, waste dumping has reduced, providing a cleaner environment for the lake. Nonetheless, the lake’s encroachments and its unclear boundaries remain significant challenges. Local civic activist David Manohar expressed concern about the slow pace of restoration, noting that legal battles and bureaucratic delays have contributed to the four-year delay. He pointed out that while sewage management in the Periya Eri is essential for a successful restoration of Putheri Lake, the removal of encroachments, particularly the 30 pucca houses situated inside the lake, is critical to the project’s success. These encroachments are allegedly backed by local political influence, further complicating efforts to restore the lake. For restoration to be effective, these encroachments must be addressed swiftly.
In an attempt to increase public engagement and safeguard the lake, CMDA plans to create a walking path along the bunds and install CCTV cameras to monitor any unauthorized access. These measures are expected to improve the management and maintenance of the lake once it is restored. Arun Krishnamurthy of the Environmentalist Foundation of India, an NGO dedicated to waterbody restoration, stressed the need for a holistic approach. He highlighted the importance of marking legal boundaries for the lake, regulating its inflow and outflow, and restoring the connecting channels between Pallavaram and Putheri to ensure the lake’s long-term ecological health. The restoration of Putheri Lake is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the city’s water bodies, improve urban drainage, and prevent the perennial problem of flooding in low-lying areas. As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather conditions, ensuring the health and functionality of Chennai’s lakes and water bodies becomes increasingly important. The success of this restoration project will serve as a model for future efforts aimed at safeguarding Chennai’s water resources and enhancing the city’s resilience against floods and other environmental challenges. With the project now underway, the residents of Old Pallavaram and the surrounding areas are hopeful that the restoration of Putheri Lake will not only prevent flooding but also enhance the quality of life by improving the environment and addressing long-standing urban issues. The collaboration between the government, local activists, and environmental NGOs will be crucial in ensuring the success of this restoration effort.
Chennai Launches Putheri Lake Restoration Project
