WRD to enhance storage capacity of Maduranthakam lake

CHENNAI: To prevent inundation during seasonal rains in the future, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has taken up restoration work of Chengalpattu's largest water body, Maduranthakam lake. The storage capacity of the lake was reduced to 530 mcft from 691 mcft, which led to flooding in several places. As part of the restoration project, the capacity of the water body will be enhanced to 791 mcft.

Earlier, water was discharged from the Chembarambakkam lake only after it reached its maximum capacity.

"For over a year, the State has witnessed intense rainfall. To avoid water stagnation in the residential areas, restoration work has started recently. The prior reason is to increase the water storage capacity from 691 mcft to 791 mcft. It can store additional water during the rainy seasons," said a senior WRD official.

After enhancement of the lake capacity, the water level of the lake will be identified and discharged when it reaches full storage without water being released from Chembarambakkam dam. As many as 70 houses were evicted near the Madurantakam lake. Now, it is an encroachment free zone.

"As part of the restoration work, we will carry the lake, bund strengthening, weir, and sluice repair, and a retaining wall will be constructed. The total cost of the project is Rs 120 crore, at least 15 per cent of the work is completed so far," stated the official.