32 water tanks in Chennai to be restored in phased manner

First phase includes restoration of 

Pallikarani, Porur and Perungudi lakes

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Thirty-two water tanks have been identified by Public Works Department in Chennai Metropolitan Area and a plan has been prepared for their restoration in a phased manner.

Sources told Express that in the first phase restoration of Pallikarani, Porur and Perungudi lakes is expected to be taken up.

It is also believed the chain of lakes in the stretch between Pallavaram to Madipakam may be immediately taken up for conservation as they are encroachment free and could act as a good source for water supply.

The restoration work is likely to be carried by evolving lake conservation project with a supporting organization structure defining the role of government departments, agencies, non-governmental organizations and community for sustained maintenance.

Sources said a project management unit is likely to be created in Chennai River Restoration Trust (CRRT) to formulate the lake conservation programme in a phased manner.

The conservation programme for wetlands would include studying the hydrological and socio-economic characterisation of wetlands in Chennai Metropolitan Area, analyzing the wetland complexes of CMA, prioritizing the wetlands for their ecosystem services besides recommending site specific protection and conservation development odf comprehensive management plans.

Sources said one of the biggest challenges in the restoration of waterways or water bodies relates to the removal of encroachments and resettlement and rehabilitation of encroachers. It is believed the water holding capacity of the tanks has been reduced due to these issues.

A good example is the Pallikaranai lake, whose swamp area’s water holding capacity have been reduced from 1600 hectares in 2001 to 950 hectare in 2008. This calls for an urgent need to initiate appropriate measures towards conservation of wetlands. Currently, the city has 474 wetlands organized as complexes and of which 40 are of immense significance, sources said.

Sources said the wetlands and water bodies in Chennai Metropolitan Area need to be conserved for ensuring availability of surface water, ensuring ground water recharge, acting as flood mitigation zones, providing aesthetic relief and refuge for flora and fauna.

Sources said plans are also on for waterfront development, which is an important element of lake conservation. These include designs providing walkway, recreation space etc generating activities and ensuring community interest thus preventing its misuse.

Sources said Chetpet, Egmore River front and Pallikarannai marsh has immediate potential for developing as public spaces with good designs integrating urban elements.