Chennai to get first suspension bridge across Villivakkam Lake

Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said that the civic body is yet to prepare cost estimation for the bridge and project is in its initial stages. “After the election process is over, a final decision will be taken,” he added.

The civic body, under the Smart City Mission, has taken up restoration and beautification of Villivakkam Lake at a cost of Rs 16 crore and the desilting work in full swing.

Under the project, the civic body has already prepared detailed project report for the area around the lake which will see a children’s park, adult gym, walkers’ pathway, Aavin parlour, multipurpose lawn and open-air theatre being built. The suspension bridge is the latest addition to make the lake a tourist spot.

Another Chennai Corporation official said that the suspension bridge would connect two bunds of the lake and the visitors could have a feeling of walking over the water.

The Villivakkam tank is maintained by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro water) and the Chennai Corporation would hand over the tank to the Board after restoration.

Though the lake is spread over 100 acres, the restoration work is going on in just 55,000 sqm. The Board has proposed a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the remaining portion ofthe lake. The project, apart from turning the lake into a recreational spot, would also increase the water holding capacity of the lake from 20,000 cum to 70,000 cum.