A consultant commissioned by the Chennai Corporation to explore the potential of boating services in the Velachery lake has recommended creation of facilities that would also improve the aesthetics around the lake, one of the few remaining water bodies in the city.
Among them are a zigzag pathway winding down to the jetty through a landscaped garden. The private consultant has submitted the drawings in this regard to the civic body, which had sometime ago announced its decision to beautify the water body spread over 55 acres.
A senior official said the proposal had since been forwarded to the technical committee. The consultant had suggested that trees be planted and a portion of the bund be filled to construct pillars. The civic body, however, is not for filling up the bund as the area under water could be reduced because of this.
It will ask the consultant about the possibility of establishing a waiting hall for those using boating services. “Initially we will go for one boat jetty and depending on its patronage we will extend the facility,” another official said.
On receipt of the technical committee’s report and after incorporating the changes suggested in it, the concept would be approved. When this process gets over, the Corporation would decide on increasing the height of the bund, which during heavy rain proves inadequate. Decision on clearing encroachments from near the water body would be taken at a later date.
The proposal for introducing boating in My Lady’s Park in Park Town has also been submitted to the Corporation.
