After the Chetpet eco-park, Paruthipattu lake near Avadi is being turned into a recreational space. It will be thrown open for public use in two months.
Spread over 200 acres, the lake is located nearly 23 km away from the city. Like many other waterbodies in the suburbs, the Paruthipattu lake too was affected by various problems, including sewage outfalls.
While three other chain of lakes — in Ambattur, Korattur and Retteri — were taken up for eco-restoration projects few years ago, the work on the Paruthipattu eco-park will be completed first, providing the much needed recreational facility for residents of the western suburbs.
The Water Resources Department has completed nearly 80% of the project. It has accelerated work to finish the ₹28-crore project by January. This lake will also serve as a source for groundwater recharge in the neighbouring areas such as Adhiparasakthi Nagar and Govardhanagiri, officials said.
“Of the 3-km-long walking track around the bund, we have completed work for 1.9 km. Work is in progress in the portion of the bund near Periyar Nagar. We expect people from areas as far as Tiruvallur to also visit the lake after itis developed into an eco-park,” said an official.
Visitors can also enjoy boat rides, as a boating deck and three landing areas are already in place. They may also view two islands, created for nesting birds, from an observation area. Besides an open-air auditorium, the eco-park will also have a central plaza — a place with seating arrangements for people to relax.
Some of the works that need completion include fixing of play equipment in the children’s play area and planting of saplings in the park. “We are yet to build a compound wall near Periyar Nagar Extension as about 30 encroached structures in the lake area need to be removed,” said the official.
The WRD is yet to fix the entry fee, as decision has not been taken yet on handing over the maintenance to the local body. While welcoming the initiative, residents said the lake must be maintained well to sustain the efforts.
Ramesh Babu, a resident of Avadi, said the municipality must take measures to prevent sewage from mixing in rainwater channels that drain into the lake and also provide proper stormwater drains.
Published - November 08, 2018 01:23 am IST
