Retteri Lake Restoration Project

The Water Resources Department (WRD) is working towards completing the Retteri lake restoration by October. This initiative aims to transform the lake into a drinking water source for Chennai, acting as a crucial buffer and recharge point for groundwater.

Importance and Background

• The lake is interconnected with various water bodies and helps recharge groundwater. Its surplus drains into the Red Hills reservoir.
• A ₹43.19 crore project was initiated in August 2023 to convert the lake into a drinking water source.
• Past initiatives included creating a walking track around the lake in 2017.

Challenges and Delays

• Residents have expressed concern over delays, which are primarily due to prolonged encroachment clearance.
• Court cases delayed eviction processes in areas like Nehru Nagar and the construction of an 800-meter compound wall.
• The WRD plans to address sewage outfalls with help from Chennai Metrowater.

Current Progress

• Nearly 90% of the project is completed, including: 
  1. Deepening of the lake bed.
  2. Creation of four artificial islands for bird nesting.
  3. Increasing storage capacity from 32 million cubic feet to 45.13 mcft.
• Removal of approximately 12.5 lakh cubic meters of silt out of the planned 13 lakh cubic meters.
• Completion of silt removal expected in 10 days.

Future Plans and Community Expectations

• Residents, led by D. Neelakannan, urge completion before the Northeast monsoon to prevent groundwater depletion.
• There is a demand to restore the lake to its original 1908 map extent.
• Residents seek expedited implementation of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority's lakefront development plans.