Revived ICF lake to turn a source of potable water

Waterbody will also get a makeover with development of parks

Restoring purity: The dumping of pollutants and garbage into the lake will be prevented as part of the restoration work.

The ICF lake in Villivakkam is set to become a source of drinking water and also get a makeover with the development of parks, landscaping and a walker’s path. Owing to scarcity of water this summer, many line agencies and civic bodies are developing waterbodies as a source of drinking water.

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has called for an expression of interest to offer a makeover of the lake within its sprawling campus in Villivakkam. For the past few years, residents in the area have been requesting ICF authorities to rejuvenate the waterbody that is now in a derelict state.

The lake is about 450m long, 270m wide and 7m deep. Residents in the area claim that seven wells have been sunk on the lake bed.

“We are already filtering the water and using it in toilets and for fire-fighting and gardening. Now, we are planning to purify it and use it for drinking,” said an ICF official. “Earlier, sewage was let into the lake. We have plugged all the inlets,” said the official. A few decades ago, treated water from the lake used to be supplied to nearby colonies. The water is now unfit for drinking due to pollution.

Dumping of garbage

The ICF has taken action to prevent the dumping of garbage in the lake. A decision on deepening or desilting the waterbody will be taken only after a study.

Residents are likely to be permitted in the park developed around the lake. “Many birds might flock to the lake after the makeover,” said the official. “It will also help recharge groundwater in neighbouring residential areas,” he added.

The ICF had received complaints of poor quality of water from residents nearby