Villivakkam lake to be an eco-tourist spot soon

One more eco-tourist spot to be adorned in Tamil Nadu as the works for developing the Villivakkam lake into an eco-tourist spot officially began on Wednesday. The project was inaugurated by S P Velumani, the Minister for Municipal Administration. The lake that has of total area of 36.50 acres will have its 24.64 acres developed into an eco-tourist spot.

The eco-tourist spot will be developed by The Greater Chennai Corporation at a budget of 16 crore as in their plan to restore 32 water bodies under Smart City project. The residual 11.5 acres of lake will be utilized to setup a sewage treatment plant by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

The city corporation plans to use ‘Rip Rap’ technique will be used for desilting the water body and strengthening the bund along with stopping the sewage inflow. This technique will avoid soil erosion at the slopes by interlocking large stones. The other proposals consist of sensors to examine water quality, biofilters to reduce water pollution and floating wetland system for treating waste water.

The civic body also plans for landscaping and creating a community space with the addition of an open air theatre and skating rink. “The Villivakkam lake is an important resource for residents of SIDCO Nagar and restoring the lake will help in increasing groundwater levels in the area,” said Minister Velumani.