Several bird islands to come up on Villivakkam lake

“The islands will have trees so that the birds can nest and lay eggs. To keep the island and trees pristine, we will not provide any connectivity to the islands. The islands would provide a safe and secluded place for the birds,” a Corporation official added.

The civic body would use the earth desilted from the lake to create the islands and is awaiting approval from the Chennai Smart City Board to take forward the project, which is expected in a few days. The civic body would also plant native trees on the islands. The Corporation has taken up eco-restoration and beautification of Villivakkam lake to convert it into a recreational spot. Under the project, the civic body has already prepared a detailed project report to build children’s park, adult gym, walkers’ pathway, Aavin parlour, multipurpose lawn and open-air theatre. Once the project is completed, Villivakkam lake would become the second lake recreational spot in the city after Chetpet lake.

The Chennai Corporation also proposed a suspension bridge and design has been prepared with the assistance of Anna University. The suspension bridge would be built at a length of 250 ft.

As the Villivakkam tank is maintained by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metrowater), the Chennai Corporation would hand over the tank to the Metrowater after restoration. Though the lake is spread over 100 acres, the restoration work is going on over 55,000 sqm. Metrowater has proposed a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the remaining portion of the lake. Villivakkam lake is one of 210 water bodies that the civic body has taken up for restoration.

The project would also increase the water holding capacity of the lake from 20,000 to 70,000 cubic metre.