Three major lakes in the western suburbs may soon get a facelift, as the Water Resources Department plans to begin the second phase of the rejuvenation project in April. Tenders have been called for the project to spruce up the waterbodies in Ambattur, Korattur and Retteri. While many lakes in the city are drying up, the three lakes still retain water and attract many winged visitors. Besides, local residents are concerned at the condition of the waterbodies that have been left unattended for months now.
The project was started about two years ago to convert the lakes into eco-tourism spots. The department had taken up works like creating walkers’ path along the bund of the lakes, desilting and deweeding them.
WRD officials said the State government had sanctioned ₹13 crore for the second phase. Ambattur lake, which is spread over 400 acres, would get a concrete lining to strengthen the bund. Nearly 90 acres of the lake area had been retrieved and more structures would be removed.
Sewage outfalls
“We also plan to remove vegetation and desilt the lakes. Sewage outfalls will also be plugged. The focus will be on restoring the lake during this phase. Work will be completed in six months. Beautification works like landscaping, walkers’ path and children’s play area would be taken up in the next phases,” and official said.
Meanwhile, residents of Korattur and Retteri want improvement works to be completed entirely instead of in phases. R.Mahalakshmi, a resident of Retteri, said the footpath that was laid during the first phase was damaged and the waterbody too was facing threat of encroachments.
