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:
- Deepening of the lake bed.
- Creation of four artificial islands for bird nesting.
- 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.