Date:16/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/16/stories/2008071660270400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Parks planned along waterbodies

K. Lakshmi

Part of Avadi Municipality’ s initiatives to rehabilitate and beautify waterbodies

Several lakes, which serve as a resource for ground water recharge, have shrunk in size
Estimate prepared to desilt the ‘Chitrakulam’ in Pattabiram, which is spread across 5.78 acres

CHENNAI: The Avadi Municipality proposes to develop parks along waterbodies as part of initiatives to rehabilitate and beautify them.

An official of the municipality said there are 13 waterbodies, including those at Paruthipattu, Pattabiram, Thandurai, Paleripattu, Kovilpadagai and Villianjiampakkam, falling under the control of the Revenue Department, and the Water Resources Department coming under the Public Works Department.

As a first step to rehabilitate the waterbodies, the municipality has prepared a cost estimate to desilt the ‘Chitrakulam’ in Pattabiram. The waterbody, spread across 5.78 acres, is now encroached upon and serves as a cesspool for neighbouring localities that releases sewage into it, the official said.

The municipal council recently approved the rehabilitation work and a proposal to develop a park along the lake at the cost of Rs.35 lakh. The park would also have artificial water fountains and a walkers’ path, he said.

Several lakes, which serve as a resource for ground water recharge, have shrunk in size and reduced to cesspool due to negligence.

The WRD is already taking measures to remove encroachments from a few lakes.

Sriperumbudur Member of Parliament A. Krishnaswamy had requested the municipality sometime to rejuvenate the lake.

Steps would be taken to develop parks along the other waterbodies in the coming months after discussions with the other departments concerned, the municipal official added.

On implementation, the project would serve as a space for recreation to the residents besides rehabilitating the waterbodies.